Feed Me Seymour

Throughout my cultivation journey, I've experimented with various nutrient lines and fertilizers tailored to different growing mediums. In this article, I’ll share my experiences with nutrient management in each of my grows, from coco coir to organic soil, and discuss the products I’ve found effective in supporting healthy, vigorous plants.

First Grow: Advanced Nutrients for Coco Coir

For my first grow, using coco coir as the medium, I turned to Advanced Nutrients—one of the most recognized names in the cannabis cultivation world. Advanced Nutrients offers a complete line of products specifically designed for coco coir, which is crucial because coco has a tendency to lock out calcium and magnesium if not properly supplemented.

Nutrient Lineup:

• Advanced Nutrients Base Nutrients: This three-part system (Grow, Micro, Bloom) provided a balanced feeding regimen throughout the vegetative and flowering stages. The pH Perfect technology built into the formula was a lifesaver, as it automatically adjusted the pH of my nutrient solution, saving me from constantly having to tweak it.

• Silica: I added silica to strengthen plant cell walls, which helped my plants become more resilient to environmental stresses like heat and pests.

• Cal-Mag: Since coco coir can sometimes bind calcium and magnesium, I made sure to supplement with Cal-Mag to prevent deficiencies, which are common in this medium.

Flowering Boost:

• Millennium Frost: During the final two weeks of flowering, I introduced Millennium Frost, a finishing product designed to enhance resin production and improve the overall quality of the buds. This addition seemed to give my buds an extra frosty appearance, which I was thrilled about as a first-time grower.

This nutrient regimen worked well for my initial grow, providing the necessary building blocks for healthy growth and abundant flowers. However, I quickly realized that while coco coir offers great control, it also demands close attention to feeding schedules and nutrient levels.

Second Grow: Microbe Life Hydro and Recharge in Organic Potting Soil

For my second grow, I transitioned to Roots Organic Potting Soil, which naturally contains organic matter and nutrients. This change in medium required a different approach to feeding, as the soil itself already provided a nutrient-rich environment. To complement this, I chose Microbe Life Hydro’s line of micro-nutrients, which focuses on enhancing soil biology.

Nutrient Lineup:

• Microbe Life Hydro: This product line includes a variety of microbial inoculants designed to boost soil health. By introducing beneficial bacteria and fungi into the root zone, these products help break down organic matter, making nutrients more readily available to the plants. I found that using Microbe Life Hydro significantly improved root health and overall plant vigor.

• Recharge: Recharge is another microbial supplement that I incorporated into this grow. It’s a powerful blend of beneficial microbes, humic acids, and kelp that acts as a soil conditioner. Recharge helped enhance nutrient uptake and kept my plants green and healthy throughout the grow.

The combination of Microbe Life Hydro and Recharge created a robust, biologically active environment in the soil, which minimized the need for heavy feeding. The natural buffering capacity of the soil, combined with these microbial supplements, allowed my plants to thrive with minimal intervention. This grow was less about managing specific nutrient levels and more about fostering a healthy, living soil ecosystem.

Current Grow: Coast of Maine Living Soil with Microbe Life Hydro and Dry Fertilizers

For my current grow, I’ve fully embraced the organic approach by using Coast of Maine’s living soil. Living soil is a self-sustaining ecosystem, rich with microorganisms that naturally provide nutrients to the plants as they break down organic matter. To support this living environment, I’m using a combination of Microbe Life Hydro and Coast of Maine’s dry fertilizers.

Nutrient Lineup:

• Microbe Life Hydro: Continuing from my second grow, I’m using these microbial inoculants to further enhance the soil’s biological activity. The healthy microbial population helps with nutrient cycling, ensuring my plants have consistent access to the nutrients they need.

• Coast of Maine Dry Fertilizer: To supplement the soil, I’m also using Coast of Maine’s dry fertilizers. These slow-release fertilizers are derived from organic materials like fish bone meal, kelp, and alfalfa, providing a steady supply of nutrients throughout the plant’s life cycle.

This combination has created a hands-off approach to feeding. The living soil, enriched with organic matter and microorganisms, does most of the work for me. I simply water with the Microbe Life Hydro solution and let the soil do the rest. This approach not only simplifies the feeding process but also aligns with my goal of cultivating cannabis in the most natural and sustainable way possible.

Comparing the Nutrient Regimens

Each grow has taught me something new about the relationship between the growing medium and nutrient management:

• Coco Coir with Advanced Nutrients: Offers precise control over feeding but requires a vigilant approach to nutrient supplementation, especially with calcium and magnesium.

• Organic Potting Soil with Microbe Life Hydro and Recharge: Leverages the natural nutrient content of soil, supported by microbial supplements to enhance nutrient availability and plant health.

• Living Soil with Microbe Life Hydro and Dry Fertilizers: Emphasizes a holistic, sustainable approach where the soil ecosystem provides for the plants, requiring minimal external inputs.

As I continue to refine my techniques and experiment with different methods, I’m excited to see how these nutrient strategies affect the quality and yield of my grows. My upcoming YouTube video will dive deeper into my first grow with coco coir and Advanced Nutrients, where I’ll share more insights and tips for fellow cultivators. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your nutrient regimen, I hope my experiences help guide you toward healthier, more productive grows. After all, feeding your plants the right way is key to unlocking their full potential!