Fox Farm Nutrients and Soil

What Nutrients do I use?

  • Just the Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom and a few others

    Votes: 18 85.7%

  • Or all listed in the schedule

    Votes: 3 14.3%
  • Total voters
    21
kmf

kmf

Member
Okay so I've grown some decent stuff just using straight Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil and tap water.
But now I'm starting to use the ph up and down, still the same fox farm ocean forest soil, and fox farm nutrients.

I've included the Fox Farm Soil Schedule in this thread.

what Info. I'm looking to find is

1. What nutrients (all) do I use when growing in Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil? Do I use all the nutrients offered in the schedule or just the first 3 listed? (Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom, Flowers Kiss, Boomerang, Kangaroots, Microbe Brew, Wholly Mackerel, Kelp Me Kelp You, Bembe, Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz, Cha Ching)

2. Now I understand the feeding schedule that comes with the Nutes., but WHEN do I start using the nutrients and HOW MUCH do I use after my clones root and I transplant into "Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil". (considering day 1 is the day the clones are transplanted.)

3. Also when transplanting what is the ideal pot size in (gal.) to transplant the clone into if I'm only maxing at a 3 Gal. bucket?
 

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gcrumpets

Well-Known Member
I want to preface this by saying I'm not a fan of using fox farms nutrients in fox farms soil, they make pretty a pretty decent soil mix but then for some reason tell you to muck it up with there salty fert line, if you wanna use bottles id pick something organic based that will feed your soil and break down within it over time... Biobizz, GO, nectar, age old, neptunes, earth juice Etc etc....

But if this is what you want to use, here's my advice...

1)at a bare minimum you should use grow big/big bloom/tiger bloom.
If your not planning a long veg time(long to me is more than 4wks) you probably won't need grow big just the combo of big bloom and tiger bloom during flower. That supply's your bread and butter NPK and friends, the other stuff they make is optional but can be beneficial if used right. Is stay away from the PK boosting dry powders (cha Ching. Beastie blooms etc) the ones that are like 0-50-60 that stuff is poison for soil and imho throws your n-pk relationship to far out of whack often causes stress and yellowing. The microbe stuff they make is good, can't go wrong with microbes in dirt.

The wholy mackerel and kelp are new to me, honestly using wholly mackerel, kelp and big bloom looks like it would probably be a good feed for nice soil. Maybe top dress with EWC every few weeks too.

2) ocean forest has about 4 weeks of nutrition in it for moderately hungry plants, so if your begging for 4 weeks for less dont using anything until you transplant and flower, I'd start in cups for 2 weeks, 1 gallons for 2-3 weeks then move to te biggest pots you can fit, wait a week then flip to 12/12, and then wait another week to start feeding.

3) start in cups or 5x5 pots for clones and seeds move to 1 gallons for veg and use the biggest you can fit for flower.


But again, I'd suggest trying a different line than fox farm if your using ocean forest. It does work okay if done right, I manage a garden shop and it's a super popular combo but over time people usually grow out of it and ask what might work a little better. Using thier salt based on thier soil is basically like waiting for the soil to deplete and die and then force feeding the plants with already digested and chelated food that doesn't really need the help of the life in your soil. It's like trying to grow 2 different ways at once. I'd rather just keep building up the health of the ocean forest base with top dressing and teas and let it do its thing. Alfalfa, kelp, neem and fish bone do a pretty good job, put a little on top every few weeks during flower with some EWC. Wet with fresh brewed tea and you'd be good to go. Nicer herb at the end too.
 
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kmf

kmf

Member
gcrumpets said:
I want to preface this by saying I'm not a fan of using fox farms nutrients in fox farms soil, they make pretty a pretty decent soil mix but then for some reason tell you to muck it up with there salty fert line, if you wanna use bottles id pick something organic based that will feed your soil and break down within it over time... Biobizz, GO, nectar, age old, neptunes, earth juice Etc etc....

But if this is what you want to use, here's my advice...

1)at a bare minimum you should use grow big/big bloom/tiger bloom.
If your not planning a long veg time(long to me is more than 4wks) you probably won't need grow big just the combo of big bloom and tiger bloom during flower. That supply's your bread and butter NPK and friends, the other stuff they make is optional but can be beneficial if used right. Is stay away from the PK boosting dry powders (cha Ching. Beastie blooms etc) the ones that are like 0-50-60 that stuff is poison for soil and imho throws your n-pk relationship to far out of whack often causes stress and yellowing. The microbe stuff they make is good, can't go wrong with microbes in dirt.

The wholy mackerel and kelp are new to me, honestly using wholly mackerel, kelp and big bloom looks like it would probably be a good feed for nice soil. Maybe top dress with EWC every few weeks too.

2) ocean forest has about 4 weeks of nutrition in it for moderately hungry plants, so if your begging for 4 weeks for less dont using anything until you transplant and flower, I'd start in cups for 2 weeks, 1 gallons for 2-3 weeks then move to te biggest pots you can fit, wait a week then flip to 12/12, and then wait another week to start feeding.

3) start in cups or 5x5 pots for clones and seeds move to 1 gallons for veg and use the biggest you can fit for flower.


But again, I'd suggest trying a different line than fox farm if your using ocean forest. It does work okay if done right, I manage a garden shop and it's a super popular combo but over time people usually grow out of it and ask what might work a little better. Using thier salt based on thier soil is basically like waiting for the soil to deplete and die and then force feeding the plants with already digested and chelated food that doesn't really need the help of the life in your soil. It's like trying to grow 2 different ways at once. I'd rather just keep building up the health of the ocean forest base with top dressing and teas and let it do its thing. Alfalfa, kelp, neem and fish bone do a pretty good job, put a little on top every few weeks during flower with some EWC. Wet with fresh brewed tea and you'd be good to go. Nicer herb at the end too.
Click to expand...
thanks for the reply!
any thoughts on flushing I've seen it done plenty just never paid enough attention to it to understand how to do it myself. Following the schedule i provided in the link along with my original post, when flushing how would i flush what is the best practice for these stages.
 
Indacouch

Indacouch

Well-Known Member
I've used ffof and there big three nutes with awesome results ......I use to like the ffof soil but me and a lot of other people I know and online have had some serious def problems this year using ffof .......another thing there's no need to be adjusting ph in that soil it will buffer itself as any decent soil should ......there's no need to be adjusting your waters ph in that soil. Good luck
 
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old shol4evr

Well-Known Member
ive used the trio with the ocean forest had great results,nothing first 4 weeks,flip start going by your feed schedule,i never used all that they say ,its just a gimick to get you to by more,gcrumpets nailed it,ocean forest is a great base,and you can build off it,i use kelp4less soil cutter starter,10lbs to 5 cu,let it cook 90 days and just water,i do use the compost blend also mainly because its to costly mixing all that he mentioned but it all does the same,i feed my compost blend tea every other feed,stuff is loaded with ewc,kelp,rock dust oh hell alot of benifits and my girls love the shit,i flipped 3 weeks ago and thought i repeat thought i would give a boost of pk with 4-18-26,real mistake ,they didnt like that shit at all,they came back around with just needing a haircut,didnt listen to the girls and they showed me,anyway thats all i use the cutter and compost blend tea,after you harvest,just plant right back into it again,stuff last about a year and more if your feeding the soil what it needs.go to there site check them out if you buy anything put in the discount code oldskol4evr for 15% off.but honestly your ocean forest and the trio will grow you some herb,all those other are for building all the tric and if that is important to you ,in which it should be ,build them with lights,good luck friend
 
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Canna_Man

Active Member
kmf said:
Okay so I've grown some decent stuff just using straight Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil and tap water.
But now I'm starting to use the ph up and down, still the same fox farm ocean forest soil, and fox farm nutrients.

I've included the Fox Farm Soil Schedule in this thread.

what Info. I'm looking to find is

1. What nutrients (all) do I use when growing in Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil? Do I use all the nutrients offered in the schedule or just the first 3 listed? (Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom, Flowers Kiss, Boomerang, Kangaroots, Microbe Brew, Wholly Mackerel, Kelp Me Kelp You, Bembe, Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz, Cha Ching)

2. Now I understand the feeding schedule that comes with the Nutes., but WHEN do I start using the nutrients and HOW MUCH do I use after my clones root and I transplant into "Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil". (considering day 1 is the day the clones are transplanted.)

3. Also when transplanting what is the ideal pot size in (gal.) to transplant the clone into if I'm only maxing at a 3 Gal. bucket?
Click to expand...
Fox Farm is overall a decent product and organic for those who want quality over quantity. Although I have seen first hand people getting over 2 + per light using the trio with open sesame, cha ching and some bloom bastic.

Since FF is organic ppm and ph isnt as important as long as you have good benes microbes and fungi in your soil they should take care of all that work for you. Just use RO, spring water thats chlorine free and your good to grow.
 
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Canna_Man

Active Member
Canna_Man said:
Fox Farm is overall a decent product and organic for those who want quality over quantity. Although I have seen first hand people getting over 2 + per light using the trio with open sesame, cha ching and some bloom bastic.

Since FF is organic ppm and ph isnt as important as long as you have good benes microbes and fungi in your soil they should take care of all that work for you. Just use RO, spring water thats chlorine free and your good to grow.
Click to expand...
Im actually in the process of developing a simple tea and spike recipe to use with jusy the FFOF for bloom so you dont need anything but water. Basically like a mutant super soil but without having to cook or compost anything and just using their base mix for veg and teas and spikes for bloom. And myco for bene and micro life which is the driving force of organic gardening.. Hopefully will have everything completed next few months and I will gove out the recipe and start a post for anyone interested
 
Cobnobuler

Cobnobuler

Well-Known Member
I can tell you from the experience I have that the Dyna Gro line works great with FFOF. Truthfully the Dyna Gro Foliage Pro can take you almost all of the way from start to finish. Try it and I think you'll see.I dont give them anything at all except water the first 3 weeks when the soils fresh
 
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radrolley

radrolley

Well-Known Member
kmf said:
Okay so I've grown some decent stuff just using straight Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil and tap water.
But now I'm starting to use the ph up and down, still the same fox farm ocean forest soil, and fox farm nutrients.

I've included the Fox Farm Soil Schedule in this thread.

what Info. I'm looking to find is

1. What nutrients (all) do I use when growing in Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil? Do I use all the nutrients offered in the schedule or just the first 3 listed? (Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom, Flowers Kiss, Boomerang, Kangaroots, Microbe Brew, Wholly Mackerel, Kelp Me Kelp You, Bembe, Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz, Cha Ching)

2. Now I understand the feeding schedule that comes with the Nutes., but WHEN do I start using the nutrients and HOW MUCH do I use after my clones root and I transplant into "Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil". (considering day 1 is the day the clones are transplanted.)

3. Also when transplanting what is the ideal pot size in (gal.) to transplant the clone into if I'm only maxing at a 3 Gal. bucket?
Click to expand...
I just use the trio with bloombastic. They Fox Farm hardeners are way too strong. As for the other I find it just a waste of money and more shit you have to mix every feeding. 2 weeks after transplanting in new soil you should not have to feed. There is enough food in the soil. I would NOT go by their feeding chart, you will burn your plants. I would start at half dose and slowly work your way up. I only feed only every 3 waterings but I mix my own very nutrient rich soil. It's hard to say anything for certain because there are so many variables to consider. All plants/strains have different needs in nutrients. Unless you have optimal conditions, your plants will consume food slower. You really shouldnt have to flush at all if you're not using too many nutrients. Always give them only water the last 2 weeks before harvest so the plants use up most of the remaining food. The leaves should fade to a yellow color sometimes even turning fall colors like purple, red, orange, etc. Couple things to consider. I believe only the Big Bloom is organic. What kind of ph meter are you using? The cheap ones are no good. Those cheap yellow milwaukees are not accurate at all. They can do more harm than good. The more expensive milwaukees are good though and their customer service is great. Blue lab is also good quality but pricy. For transplanting smaller clones I just use about a quart size pot so i can fit more of them under a light. I don't like to waste any space. Then when they get root bound I put them in a 5 gallon. 3 gallons is plenty though if you're not growing huge plants. My stretchy strains are only in 5 gallons and get 5-7+ feet tall if I don't exercise canopy control. Also remember, when going to bigger pots they may hold water longer since the root structure is not so big at first. Let them dry out before feeding or watering again. I actually do not like Fox Farm soil. I have used it a lot in the past, it works good, but their are way too many bugs in it especially fungus gnats. A lot of times if you look real close you can see tons of the larvas in there it's sick. They are hard to see but like tiny grub worms. The company tries to use the excuse that bugs are a natural part of the soil blah blah blah I think it's bullshit. They have the worst soil as far as bugs that I have used. Fertilome is by far the cleanest I have every used but I recommend adding some extra perlite and nutrients to bring up the NPK.
 
radrolley

radrolley

Well-Known Member
KING CHILIE said:
Advanced Nutrients?
Click to expand...
There is nothing advanced about getting ripped off. Not only are their nutrients way overpriced but a lot of shops will not even carry them because they can't make any money off them. The company is very greedy. I would use even go as far as giving GH a shot before paying all that money for AN. I'm very far from going cheap as far when it comes to buying grow equipment but I'm also all about saving money for stuff that works just as good.
 
radrolley

radrolley

Well-Known Member
az2000 said:
I encourage you to stay away from the boutique, multi-bottle "lineups." Focus on the actual NPK ratio you're feeding. You can do that with any product (usually much less expensive than the cannabis-specific "lineups.").
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Very true. Adding all this extra shit can cause a lot more problems than people realize. It's mostly all snake oils.
 
A

az2000

Well-Known Member
radrolley said:
Very true. Adding all this extra shit can cause a lot more problems than people realize. It's mostly all snake oils.
Click to expand...
I use Grow More Sea Grow (All Purpose and Flower & Bloom). Lots of experienced growers use Jack's Classic. These things cost about $1 per plant, per grow. That's about 1/2 cent per gram.

I know it's a hobby and people spend more on things just for the enjoyment of doing it. If I were going to use a bottled product, I'd do Dyna-Gro. GH is good too (but, I have a problem using hydro nutes in soil.).

@uwine99 has an interesting no-cook organic system which I'd like to try. If I were going to step up to more organics than Sea Grow, I'd try this.
 
Oregon Gardener

Oregon Gardener

Well-Known Member
kmf said:
Okay so I've grown some decent stuff just using straight Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil and tap water.
But now I'm starting to use the ph up and down, still the same fox farm ocean forest soil, and fox farm nutrients.

I've included the Fox Farm Soil Schedule in this thread.

what Info. I'm looking to find is

1. What nutrients (all) do I use when growing in Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil? Do I use all the nutrients offered in the schedule or just the first 3 listed? (Grow Big, Big Bloom, Tiger Bloom, Flowers Kiss, Boomerang, Kangaroots, Microbe Brew, Wholly Mackerel, Kelp Me Kelp You, Bembe, Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz, Cha Ching)

2. Now I understand the feeding schedule that comes with the Nutes., but WHEN do I start using the nutrients and HOW MUCH do I use after my clones root and I transplant into "Fox Farm Ocean Forest soil". (considering day 1 is the day the clones are transplanted.)

3. Also when transplanting what is the ideal pot size in (gal.) to transplant the clone into if I'm only maxing at a 3 Gal. bucket?
Click to expand...
I have been using FFOF and HF for at least 10 outdoor grows and ? indoor. I have also been adding this product, American Pride. I's not marked with the precious OMRI label, but I think works pretty good when you're on a budget. I have done small pots/ bags indoors with just water until bloom and they did O.K. I do folliar feed . I doubt our European cousins can get the product ( Maybe if they renamed it) possibly folks Down Under might find though.
 

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radrolley

radrolley

Well-Known Member
I prefer making an organic super soil mix myself. It makes everything so much easier especially if you keep plants in all different stages of growth. If mixed right you can use straight water with no added nutrients. Use RO and you don't even need to ph as long as the soil ph is good. RO water has a very unstable potential hydrogen because the TDS is nearly 0. There is nothing to buffer it so it will change very rapdily as it mixes in your soil. With using the proper amount of super soil, you can just use water start to finish and still get big yields. I actually used Fertilome soil once with only using large amounts of big bloom as the only fertilizer. It worked but yields were much smaller. No chemical taste at all.
 
A

az2000

Well-Known Member
radrolley said:
It worked but yields were much smaller. No chemical taste at all.
Click to expand...
Myself and friends noticed a distinct taste difference when I switched from all-synthetic GH Flora 3-part to Grow More Sea Grow (a blend of organic and synthetic). Maybe I was overfeeding GH. But, the taste difference is remarkable (smoother, richer).

I'd like to do more of an organic grow like you describe (water only, occasional tea). Because of the taste difference I've already gotten, I can't get motivated. I try to use organic supplements whenever I need to supplement. (I.e., AK Fish to raise N during veg, bat guano to raise P in flower).

I'm doing a cheap experiment with MiracleGro Tomato. I'm curious to see if I notice the taste go back to the sharp, bright (harsh, IMO) sensation. I haven't had anything to compare to for awhile.
 
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