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Effective Mold Management for Cannabis Plants

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If you have tried to cultivate weed plants, you know how moldy cannabis plants can be devastating. To many people, this is the worst experience that will make them lose hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Nonetheless,you can learn how to deal with mold on cannabis plants,which will give you some peace of mind. To deal with the problem, you must know what mold on cannabis plants looks like. After knowing what mold on cannabis plants looks like, you will be able to deal with it.

First, we will identify the different types of mold. Followed by a thorough list of what to do if that happens to your beloved plant. And also how to prevent it.

Different types of marijuana mold

Growing cannabis comes with many obstacles, none of which are more common or irritating than mold. Mold is as harmful as it is annoying, as well as being a bit tricky to treat. So here’s a little advice on how to identify and prevent it from happening to you:

There are a couple of different types of mold that could potentially invade your cannabis garden. However, there are two common ones: powdery mildew and botrytis, the latter being essentially bud rot.

Botrytis is pretty hard to identify because it is only visible at the base of the stem. However, eventually, some small leaves will begin to wither and dry out, which is a surefire sign that your bud is suffering.

If you see some of your plant’s leaves drying up, look a little closer, and you might find some slightly furry details. Fluff can potentially begin to grow on the leaves of your treasured plant that is blue or white, which is pretty harmless if treated straight away. However, if you allow botrytis to advance, you might notice tiny black dots appearing in the mold. These are spores, and they spread like crazy, so don’t breathe them in!

Powdery mildew is another prevalent type of plant mold and can be observed to look exactly as its name suggests. Powdery mildew is a white, dusty substance that lies on the surface of plant leaves and inhibits photosynthesis, which is your plant’s way of making food using light. Eventually, if your plants are suffering from this condition, their leaves will shrivel up and die, so it is best to prevent powdery mildew from occurring in the first place.But how do you do that?

How to deal with mold on weed plants

As mentioned in the beginning, the worst part of cannabis plant cultivation is a mold invasion, which does not seem to go away easily when it settles on the plant. But here are simple and ingenious ways to deal with mold:

1. Pull aside withered plant buds

Whenever you spot a withering cannabis bud, it is a sign that mold has invaded the plant. Instead of wasting time, gently pull off the bud. If you get rid of that, chances are high that you’ll save the rest of the planet.

2. Chop off the affected leaves

Just as you would do to the affected bud if you suspect that a part of the cannabis leaf has been affected, it’s better to chop it off. It is advisableto remove all the affected leaves and buds of the infected plant instead of waiting for the mold to spread to all the other cannabis plants.

3. Ensure there is proper airflow

One of the most significant contributors and facilitators of mold on marijuana plants is the lack of proper airflow to the plant. To ensure mold does not invade your plants, ensure adequate airflow to the crops.

4. Inspect the humidity

The amount of heat and air in your land is crucial to taming mold on cannabis plants. Although this might be difficult for those who grow cannabis outside, it is still essential to check the humidity levels.

5. Ensure consistent climate on plants

The issue of ensuring a consistent climate for marijuana plants is complicated, especially if you grow your plants in an open field. For those who cultivate cannabis from an enclosed area, it is more comfortable. You can use dehumidifiers and fans to regulate the internal climate around your crops.

6. Control the temperature

Like any other crop, the cannabis plant and environment temperature are key to preventing mold on cannabis plants. To keep the temperature around your crops consistent, use available temperature control devices that will keep it at normal ranges while ensuring high airflow but keeping humidity at bay.

7. Water and feed your plants well

You may think that watering and feeding your crops do not have any relationship with preventing or dealing with mold on cannabis plants, but it certainly does. A healthy cannabis plant can more easily resist mold invasion than an unhealthy and poorly watered and fed plant.

8. Space your cannabis plants

As it were, mold can invade your plants when congested. Again, it boils down to a lack of sufficient airflow. You need to ensure adequate space among your plants to prevent congestion, where mold thrives.

9. Prune your cannabis plants

Again, the aim of pruning your cannabis plants is to ensure your plants have enough airflow, which in time will drive mold away from your cannabis plants.

How to get rid of mold on buds 

To begin with, never smoke moldy buds. It’s hazardous! If mold appears on your buds, it can ruin months of total dedication and hard work. Unfortunately, preventing mold spores from moving into the buds is challenging. That’s because these spores are found literary everywhere, even in the air that we breathe! 

But that doesn’t mean mold spores can survive in all conditions. Hence, you can manipulate the conditions in your curing area to address this issue and keep off mold on the buds.

1. Drying the buds properly

Once you have harvested your mature buds, you must dry them thoroughly. Properly dried buds should be firm when touched. They should not crumble or feel moist or soft on the touch. This means that they haven’t dried well and can potentially develop mold. There’s only one solution to this issue, and that is drying the buds completely!

2. Burping the jars during the curing phase 

Drying involves putting your dry buds in an airtight jar and storing them in a dark location. Moisture can be released from the buds and stems and eventually seep into the air and other buds. This moisture puts the buds at risk of mold formation during curing. The one way to address this issue is to ‘burp out the excess moisture. 

Typically, you should burp out curing buds 2-4 times per day at the beginning of the curing process and less frequently as the humidity drops. To keep off mold, you must pay keen attention to details daily. Should there be any signs of mold on your buds, you must remove the moldy buds immediately and discard them!

3. Using a hygrometer and a dehumidifier

When curing your buds, you should ensure a humidity level of between 55%-62%. You will use the hygrometer to measure the relative humidity in your curing jars, and should it exceed the said limits, you’ll use the dehumidifier to lower it.

What to do in the case of botrytis

The best measures to prevent both types of mold – as mentioned at the beginning of the article – are to check your plants regularly and ensure they receive everything they need to grow correctly. However, preventative measures won’t help people who are struggling with mold issues at the moment. So what to do?

In the case of botrytis, the only option you have is to use chemical sprays to combat the mold’s effects. You can purchase sprays to rid you grow of bud rot at pretty much any garden store. Another thing you can try is moving your infected plants to a warmer area with low humidity. This will stop the disease from spreading.

What to do with powdery mildew?

With powdery mildew, some natural remedies have been tried and tested. To combat this mold, add two teaspoons of cider vinegar to one liter of water and spray it over your plants. This should do the trick. Another method is to mix 60% milk and 40% water and spray them on them, which should also work some magic.

Overall, mold is a nasty, plant-killing culprit that has to be stopped, though luckily, there are plenty of ways to get rid of it before it damages your plants too much. Preventative measures are the best course of action to take, but it is nice to know that more can be done if conditions worsen.

Good luck!



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Effortless Cultivation with AMS’s Autoflower Weed Seeds

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AMS’s autoflower seeds represent the pinnacle of simple growing. These seeds epitomize self-sufficiency, effortlessly guiding your weed plant from germination, through the vegetative phase, and ultimately into the flowering stage, sans any intricate intervention or manipulation of light cycles by the grower.

Our premium autoflower seeds are meticulously engineered to produce the highest yield as quickly as possible. We invite you to witness the effectiveness of our Amsterdam seeds for yourself!

Purchasing Autoflower Seeds

Autoflower seeds provide a highly adaptable crop that blends effortless management and rapid growth, making them a top choice for novices. We strongly suggest that you get acquainted with our comprehensive grow guide before embarking on your cultivation adventure. With autoflower weed seeds, growers can anticipate an impressive potential harvest, loaded with cannabinoid-rich buds.

Defining Autoflower Seeds

Autoflower seeds are a special breed of weed seeds, capable of flowering autonomously with minimal dependence on external growing factors. These seeds have been so finely tuned that they easily surpass the dependency on light cycles that feminized seeds need for a plentiful harvest.

Autoflower seeds come in various forms and can be modified to be THC-heavy, CBD-dominant, or evenly balanced. Moreover, they can offer a wide range of terpene profiles, adding to their allure. Their resilient nature and quick growth cycle make these strains a favorite among beginners and those aiming for a fast yield.

To genuinely comprehend and value the unique nature of this strain, one must delve into the weed growth cycle. Made up of two primary stages – the vegetative phase and the flowering phase – each of these stages requires certain conditions for smooth progression and accurate transition.

In the case of feminized strains, the flowering stage is contingent on a lack of light. These strains, often known as photoperiod weed strains, necessitate a significant shift in light cycles to stimulate the flowering phase. This is not the case with autoflower strains. Their flowering is initiated by an internal biological timer rather than light dependence, showcasing a major difference with these strains.

The autoflowering characteristics can be traced back to the weed subspecies ruderalis. Native to the harsh climates of Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Russia, this species developed the autoflowering trait as a survival strategy in its severe native environment. This inherent trait ensures that the plant completes its reproductive cycle before the onset of extreme cold. Researchers at Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds have drawn from this natural adaptation to create the rapid-growth, high-yield autoflower seeds currently available to growers.

effortless cultivation autoflower weed seeds plant

Characteristics of Autoflower Seeds

Autoflower seeds possess several distinguishing features. Although they offer many benefits to weed cultivators, some characteristics may be less advantageous. Here are some of the key features to consider:

Rapid life cycle: Autoflower strains are usually ready for harvest much earlier than other strains. The average plant matures within 8 – 10 weeks from seed to harvest.

Discreet growth: These plants are compact, making them inconspicuous, which allows for indoor growth, even in living areas.

Minimal light requirements: Unlike other strains, autoflower seeds don’t require high light levels. Their unique strength is their ability to self-pollinate and flower within a predetermined timeframe, regardless of external light cues.

Unmatched resilience: Among weed strains, these are some of the most robust you can find. They can flourish under some of the toughest conditions, making them a popular choice for novice growers still familiarizing themselves with weed cultivation and its unique requirements.

Reduced nutrient needs: Autoflower strains show excellent survival abilities. They don’t require intensive care or a strict regimen to thrive. Their robust nature allows them to survive in almost all conditions.

However, every silver lining has a cloud. Autoflower strains may yield less compared to feminized seed strains. Moreover, these strains are nearly impossible to clone effectively, and if cloned, often produce subpar results.

Who Can Benefit From Autoflower Seeds?

Autoflower seeds are the first choice for beginner growers and home cultivators. Their independent growth pattern means they don’t need any specialized equipment or strictly controlled environments to thrive. Their autoflowering attribute makes them perfect for discreet cultivation indoors and outdoors.

How To Grow Autoflower Seeds

Autoflower seeds are exceptionally adaptable and can thrive in nearly any environment. While indoor growth under controlled conditions can enhance yield and overall plant performance, it’s not a necessity. For a detailed understanding, refer to our guide titled “How to Grow Autoflower Seeds”.

Consider trying out the following highly recommended autoflower seed strains:

How to germinate autoflower seeds?

Follow the steps below for successful germination:

  1. Moisten two paper towels and place your autoflower seeds on them.
  2. Fold the paper towel over the seeds and place it on a plate.
  3. Cover this arrangement with another plate.
  4. Store the plates in a warm, dark location.
  5. Check daily to ensure the paper towels maintain their dampness.
  6. When the radicle root exceeds 1 cm, your seeds have successfully germinated.

effortless cultivation autoflower weed seeds AMS

How to cultivate autoflower seeds outdoors?

  1. Germinate your autoflower seeds in their final growing container (ideally holding more than 10 liters).
  2. Position the container to receive a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight.
  3. Water your seedlings daily to ensure they remain properly hydrated.
  4. Feed your autoflower seeds using a slow-release approach.
  5. Approximately 12 weeks after germination, you should be ready to harvest your plant.

Autoflower seeds, with their sturdy nature and fast growth cycle, offer a multitude of benefits to weed cultivators. Perfect for beginners and those with limited space or resources, these resilient seeds eliminate the uncertainty out of growth light cycles, making cultivation easier and more predictable.

However, it’s essential to ensure ideal conditions for germination. Even though autoflower seeds are versatile, they still require basic care for successful germination. Soil temperature, moisture levels, and aeration greatly impact the germination success rate.

A soil temperature of around 25℃ is considered optimal for these seeds. It’s also crucial to maintain balance in soil moisture levels – the soil should be damp but not waterlogged. Overwatering can obstruct oxygen flow to the seeds, leading to stunted growth or even seed decay. Aeration plays a crucial role in successful germination. It helps in preventing mold and fostering a healthier root system for the plant.

Once these conditions are met, you can expect the seed to germinate within one to three days. The key indicator of successful germination is the emergence of a small stem sprouting from the soil surface, marking the beginning of a new growth phase.

For more detailed instructions and tips on the germination process, consider visiting this comprehensive guide. This step-by-step guide not only offers insights into successful seed germination but also discusses potential pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring a more successful cultivation experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of growing autoflower seeds for beginners?

Autoflower seeds are a top choice for novices due to their highly adaptable nature and rapid growth. These seeds require minimal intervention and are capable of flowering autonomously, regardless of external factors like light cycles. With autoflower seeds, beginner growers can anticipate an impressive potential harvest, loaded with cannabinoid-rich buds.

Question: What are the key characteristics of autoflower seeds?

Autoflower seeds possess several distinguishing features that make them attractive to cultivators. These include a rapid life cycle, compact and discreet growth, minimal light requirements, unmatched resilience, and reduced nutrient needs. However, it’s worth noting that autoflower strains may yield less compared to feminized seed strains and are difficult to clone effectively.

Who can benefit from growing autoflower seeds?

Autoflower seeds are particularly beneficial for beginner growers and home cultivators. Their independent growth pattern allows them to thrive without specialized equipment or strictly controlled environments. The autoflowering attribute of these seeds makes them perfect for discreet cultivation both indoors and outdoors.



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compost tea cannabis

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Compost teas have become an effective way to feed cannabis plants without having to buy or use fertilizers. The teas are made with good compost, and they contain nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that boost plant growth and protect the plants against diseases.

Organic tea is rich in nutrients and microorganisms, including nematodes, protozoa, certain bacteria, and fungi. This combination helps to defend your plant against pathogens and enhances the overall growth and health of cannabis.

Overview

  • Why is compost tea important for your cannabis plants?

  • How to make compost tea and use it 

  • When to use the compost tea

  • Final thoughts 

Compost tea is what you obtain when you soak compost in water. The nutrients in the compost end up in the water, resulting in something like an organic liquid fertilizer. However, this fertilizer comprises microorganisms and nutrients that are beneficial for cannabis.

Tea is a type of brewed compost that provides your cannabis plants with numerous high-quality nutrients. Hence, contributing to plant health, vigor, and immunity against pathogens. Despite its numerous effects, the compost tea is easy to make and requires little cost and effort.

compost tea cannabis

Why is compost tea important for your cannabis plants?

  • It reduces the presence of weeds and pests. This helps the cannabis plants ward off diseases like blight. The tea can also protect marijuana from pathogens that could harm or kill it.

  • Adding compost tea to your cannabis plants injects nutrients into them. Thus, increasing plant size due to a strengthened immune system obtained from numerous trace elements.

  • The best organic tea for cannabis makes you less reliant on chemical fertilizers that cause harm to your plants. When you use the best compost tea for marijuana, you create something 100% organic, leading to a thriving and self-sustaining ecosystem.

  • It helps maximize water retention in the soil

  • Improves the overall health of the plants by injecting them with beneficial fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and nematodes of multiple species.

How to make compost tea and use it

Although it might seem like a complicated and annoying process, preparing your compost tea is quite easy. Follow these steps to get started.

Build the brewer for your compost tea

The first step is to build a brewer for your compost tea. You can decide to buy pre-built ones to save yourself the trouble. To build a tea brewer, you will need A bucket and lid (size depends on how big your cannabis garden is), air pump, aerator, 12 x 12-inch nut milk bag, and a small screw end metal hook.

compost tea cannabis 3

Attach the air pump to the aerator and place it outside the bucket. The air pump and aerator will supply oxygen to the water to allow microorganisms to breathe. Place the tea ingredients inside the milk bag.

Proceed to make the tea

After connecting the aerator and air pump to the bucket, proceed to create the compost. Fill half the bucket with mature compost. It is recommended to stay within this limit and don’t fill it up. This allows the compost to be loose and the aerator to work.

Fill the rest of your bucket with water and ensure it is enough so the mixture can fill the bucket. Leave roughly 3 inches of headroom at the top of the bucket to allow you to stir the tea without messing up the process. Stir the mixture gently.

compost tea cannabis oil

Ideally, the tea can take roughly 30 hours to brew. Thus, it is advisable to prepare the team when you have enough time on your hands, especially on the weekend. If you decide to use water that is treated with chlorine, the process will take longer as the chlorine needs time to dissolve.

Your brewing tea shouldn’t be near any heat or sunshine. Also, check on the air pump regularly to see if it is running properly and if there is enough oxygen in the water.

Nourish your cannabis plants with tea

There are various ways to apply compost tea to your cannabis plans. You can add the compost tea for weed directly to the plants’ roots, or you can use it as a foliar spray to drizzle your plants’ leaves.

compost tea cannabis watering

To get good results, apply the compost tea to the soil two weeks before your cannabis begins to bud. However, if you are using the tea as a foliar spray, you should apply the tea in the evening or early morning when the plants have little to no sunlight. Another method is to dilute the compost tea with water: use a 1:2 ratio for foliar spray or 1:20 if you are applying directly to the roots.

You can increase the dosages of the compost tea. An organic tea compost doesn’t cause any damages to your plants. However, observe how your cannabis plants react when you apply them.

When to use the compost tea

The good part is that there is no compost tea feeding schedule, and organic teas won’t overfeed your cannabis plants. Hence, you can use composed tea for weed when you think they are hungry or when you want to increase microbial life in the soil.

Final thoughts on compost tea

Compost tea for weed is easy and inexpensive to make. It offers numerous advantages to your cannabis plants, ensuring they get the nutrient required to grow healthy and ward off diseases that could stunt their growth or kill them.

However, note that compost tea has a very short shelf-life. So you need to apply them immediately to the soil to enrich the health of cannabis plants. The compost tea for weed is important and you should start preparing one right away before your cannabis seeds bud. 

 

FAQs about Compost Tea for Cannabis Plants

1. Why is compost tea beneficial for cannabis plants?
Compost tea provides cannabis plants with essential nutrients and beneficial microorganisms that enhance growth, strengthen the immune system, and protect against diseases, leading to healthier and more resilient plants.

2. How do I make and use compost tea for cannabis?
To make compost tea, brew mature compost in water using an aerated system for about 30 hours. Apply it directly to the plant’s roots or as a foliar spray, ideally two weeks before budding, to boost plant health.

3. When should I use compost tea on my cannabis plants?
Compost tea can be used whenever your plants appear hungry or when you want to increase microbial life in the soil. There’s no strict schedule, and it won’t harm the plants if applied regularly.



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Ensuring Durability of Favorite Strains

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While the notion of storing cannabis seeds might sound straightforward, many advocates of various storage methods often end up with half their seeds turning non-viable.

Storage techniques are frequently overlooked in their importance. However, when you’ve spent a considerable sum on your favorite strains, it becomes heart-wrenching to see them turn sterile due to a preventable mistake.

Indeed, many of you may not have engaged in gardening until the thought of growing your own cannabis surfaced. It’s time to recall those third-grade science classes. You’ve heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers“, indicating the necessary conditions for seeds to sprout, which are moisture, light, and warmth. Hence, to prevent your seeds from prematurely germinating, you must keep these conditions at bay. Sounds rather straightforward, doesn’t it?

In practical terms, your first requirement is a completely sealed container, such as a film canister.

Monitoring Temperature Fluctuations

Then, introduce a few silica gel beads or rice grains in your container to absorb any stray moisture, ensuring the humidity stays below 10%. Place your seeds in a small envelope, bag, or even vacuum-sealed packaging, followed by inserting it into your air-tight container. Be sure to label each container with its contents and date. Avoid unnecessary exposure to temperature changes and light, as these conditions can adversely impact seed viability over time. Now, you’re ready to store your seeds for the next planting season. Remember, it’s best not to store them in the fridge door, where temperatures fluctuate; a back corner is more suitable.

Living with others can present challenges in keeping your seeds away from curious hands. If you’re uneasy about leaving a conspicuous canister in the back of your fridge with a label reading “What’s inside this canister isn’t worth your life,” you may opt for riskier options. Consider storing your seeds in a closet or under your bed, somewhere dark and secluded. But beware, these places may be more prone to temperature variations and the biggest foe of seed storage: humidity. In these circumstances, rigorous control of moisture is paramount.

By storing your seeds properly, you can sleep easy knowing your favorite strain can be relished not just next year, but possibly for several years ahead.

cannabis seed storage

Seed Durability

One might question the durability of their seeds, particularly when it comes to rare or preferred strains. With proper storage, cannabis seeds can remain viable for up to five years or even more. However, it’s crucial to remember that the seed’s viability decreases over time, even with the best storage practices. Regularly rotating your seed stock ensures you always have a supply of viable seeds ready for planting.

cannabis seed storage durability

Avoidable Mistakes

Common mistakes in seed storage can significantly reduce your cannabis seeds’ lifespan. Storing seeds in an environment with fluctuating temperatures or humidity can trigger premature germination or render them non-viable. Similarly, exposing seeds to light can also initiate germination. To maximize their durability, always store seeds in a dark, cool, and consistent environment.

Initial Seed Quality

The initial quality of your seeds plays a significant role in their durability. Always obtain your seeds from a trustworthy source to ensure they are healthy and viable. Poor quality seeds, even when stored under the best conditions, might fail to germinate or grow into a healthy plant.

Preservation Techniques

Keeping seeds in a dark, cool, and air-tight environment is an effective method for long-term storage. Avoid places with potential temperature fluctuations and excessive moisture. The key is consistency in temperature and humidity levels. By adhering to this method, you can protect the viability of your seeds for an extended period.

For instance, consider using a fridge for storage. The interior of a refrigerator typically provides a cool, dark, and stable environment, making it a prime choice for storing seeds. However, it’s crucial to use an airtight container when storing seeds in the fridge. This not only protects them from accidental exposure to moisture but also maintains stable humidity within the container.

A simple and effective solution is to place your vacuum-sealed seeds into an airtight container like a mason jar or a sealable plastic box. You could also add additional moisture-absorbing materials, such as silica gel packets or dry rice, to the container. These materials will absorb any excess moisture, ensuring the internal environment of the container remains dry. Lastly, store the container in the back of the refrigerator where the temperature remains more constant compared to the fridge door, which is frequently opened and closed. By implementing these techniques, you can significantly prolong the life of your cannabis seeds, ensuring they remain ready for planting when needed.

cannabis seed storage preservation

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the durability of your beloved cannabis strains. Remember, effective seed protection isn’t complex, but it does demand careful attention and diligence. With the right storage practices, your favorite strains will continue to flourish in future harvests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can cannabis seeds remain viable with proper storage?

With proper storage, cannabis seeds can remain viable for up to five years or even more. However, it’s important to note that seed viability decreases over time, even with optimal storage practices. Regularly rotating your seed stock ensures you always have a supply of viable seeds ready for planting.

What are the common mistakes to avoid in cannabis seed storage?

Common mistakes in seed storage that can significantly reduce seed lifespan include storing seeds in environments with fluctuating temperatures or humidity, exposing seeds to light, and using poor quality seeds. To maximize seed durability, it’s crucial to store seeds in a dark, cool, and consistent environment.

What are effective techniques for long-term cannabis seed storage?

To ensure long-term seed storage, it is recommended to keep seeds in a dark, cool, and airtight environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Using a refrigerator can be an effective method, but it’s important to use an airtight container and store it in the back of the refrigerator where temperature remains more constant. Additional moisture-absorbing materials like silica gel packets or dry rice can be added to the container to maintain a dry internal environment.



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