New here, been growing for years, but want to try organic now

Hiya,

I've been growing hydroponically for 20+ years, NFT and Flood and Drain.

I now have the space to experiment a little and want to grow a small organic crop.

I have chosen Dutch Passion La Lybella (Sativa) and Barney's Pineapple Chunks (mostly Indica).

I am growing from seed for the Lybella and clones for the Pineapple. 600w HPS, wicked ventilation and stays nice and cool.

My plan is:

Grow the seedlings and clones under 16/8 for 4 weeks in small pots of Canna Terra soilmix. I will start feeding at week 2 with very weak Biobizz Grow.

At 4 weeks they will go into 11 litre pots of Canna Terra soilmix and feed at half the strength of the Biobizz grow schedule ( http://www.u-grow.com/support/biobizz-growschedule.pdf ), slowly increasing the strength of feed until everything seems happy.

I am using Biobizz Grow, Bloom and Topmax, basically because it was cheap and available.

These 11 liter pots will go under a 600w HPS next to my chemical grow.

I plan on auto watering using drippers, but this is where I get unsure.

What kind of timing regime should I use in soil? I was planning on once a day for about 1/2 hour, that would give each plant about 2 litres per day.

However, I have read that in soil you should water until it starts to come out the bottom of the pot. I have heard others who let the plants get to the edge of wilting before watering (sounds dangerous). Also, should I alternate feeding days?

Finally, should I adjust the pH of the water before adding the Biobizz like I do in chemical grows? I thought the soil took care of the pH.

Anyway, my biggest fear is overwatering and / or over feeding the plant. - so any advice would be great.

Cheers

If you utilize the soil food web and focus on maintaining it. all of the microbes in the soil will take care of the plants needs.

When you get the chance read the book "Teaming with Microbes."

Rayne said:

If you utilize the soil food web and focus on maintaining it. all of the microbes in the soil will take care of the plants needs.

When you get the chance read the book "Teaming with Microbes."

Click to expand...

michorizzal bacteria is your best friend! lush white root growth even in the worst soils, it definitely isn't cheap (50$) but is essential in organic production. A good enzyme is a must as well
Focus on your nutrients and you WILL be rewarded with fantastic smoke. Also organic yield isn't as big but is compensated for with max potency, flavor, smell, ect... and i always go 2 weeks longer than recommended flower time with my strains! it helps get those buds fat and juicy with resins
Hope this helps a bit :]

-CC