Lecture Notes: Providing Nutrients to Plants

Introduction

• Focus on providing nutrients to plants, especially cannabis.
• Information useful for beginners and applicable to all plant species.

Speaker's Background

• Primary experience in growing with soil-based nutrients (compost, manure, etc.).
• Recently began using supplemental nutrients—significant impact, especially for indoor grows.

Personal Update

• Moving to a new office/recording space.
• Suffered a thumb injury but adapting to using cannabis more easily.

Special Guest: Tanya Funk

• Expert cannabis cultivator, communicator.
• Background: Process of learning about lighting and microbial components in soil.
• Founded Organite focused on microbial inoculant and mineral nutrients.
• Philosophy: Quality in, quality out for growing cannabis.

The Importance of Nutrients

• All plants need nutrients beyond what is in their seeds for germination.
• Organic gardening involves microbial digestion of decaying matter—make nutrients bioavailable for plants.
• Balance and quality of nutrients influence plant prosperity and expression.
• Feed charts provide structured guidance for nutrient application through different growth stages.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

• Avoid assuming specific products only apply to certain stages (e.g., grow mixture only for veg stage).
• Hype around certain products—importance of looking into quality and company reputation.
• Proper nutrient programs matter more than brand hype.

Types of Nutrients and Their Application

• Mineral-based nutrients (e.g., Organite’s products) vs. synthesized nutrients—importance of mineral origin.
• Organic growing: challenging indoors but involves naturally derived inputs like kelps, fish, etc.
• Microbial inoculants support healthy root zones—better nutrient uptake and plant health.
• Adjust nutrient application based on testing soil and water.

Nutrient Feed Frequency

• Recommended 2-3 times a week, not every watering session—prevent plant stress by avoiding nutrient deficiencies.
• Regular testing for pH and soil health—use pH meters to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.

Effects of Nutrients on Pest and Disease Control

• Healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and pathogens.
• Balance in nutrients and strong microbial communities offer plants natural defense.

Harvesting and Flushing Nutrients

• Process of stopping nutrients a few weeks before harvest to ensure clean, quality flavor in final product.
• Flushing involves regular watering without nutrients to clear excess from soil and plant.

Organic Growing Techniques

• Using bat guano, wood ash, and other composts provide diverse nutrients but rely on microbial activity for breakdown.
• Hybrid growing methods: combining organic with mineral-based nutrients for optimal outcomes.
• Encouragement for integrating natural elements like bats, chickens, etc., into gardening setups for holistic health.

Lighting Considerations

• Progress in LED technology—better spectrum and efficiency compared to older HPS or MH systems.
• Adjust environmental controls when switching lighting types to maintain plant health.

Plant Resiliency and Adaptation

• Understanding how plants' needs change over time and adapting nutrient strategies accordingly.
• Encourage experimentation and observation to better understand the specific needs of different strains.

Final Thoughts and Resources

• Importance of leveraging available resources: company support, feed charts, expert advice.
• Encouragement to enjoy the growing process and continuously learn—a holistic approach increases both yield and satisfaction.

Learning Resources

• Organite Tech's website for nutrient guidance and troubleshooting tips.
• Threeelite.com for in-depth tutorials and best growing practices.
• Importance of continuous learning and adapting to make the most of the growing experience.