2nd Grow: With PA Broadleaf: @marshall9779 2023

[marshall9779]

Decided to give it a second go with with the PA Broadleaf. Only my second grow too. Will incorporate what I learned the last time and see if I can get some actual smokeable leaf this time. The leaves were fire proof last time I’m thinking due to supplement watering with city water. Will use filtered water this time that has been set out a few days to get rid of any leftover chlorine. Hopefully that helps.

Just started a few seeds today but planning on growing two plants in 5 gal buckets that I can move around my small, tree surrounded yard to get the most sun.

 

[Old Gasman]

I grew all my plants last year in buckets and they all grew tall and strong, I think maybe a good growing medium is the secret.

 

[marshall9779]

Mine grew just fine using some miracle grow potting soil and some garden tone fertilizer. The leaf just would not burn.

 

[Old Gasman]

I don't know what it's like for you chaps across the pond but here you just can't buy good compost these days. I used to grow my tomatoes in grow bags in my greenhouse and buy bags of compost for flower baskets. Last year's tomatoes were very poor and I put it down to the fact that they banned the sale of peat. Everything is environmentally friendy so consequently the grow bags are now filled with ground up bark and who knows what.

 

[Plinsc]

I just priced peat this past weekend, what used to cost about $10 is now $30. They are pushing coconut coir to replace it but it’s about the same price.
I would have to read up on coconut coir again, I know it has to be rinsed several times and I want to say add something but it escapes me right now.

 

[deluxestogie]

This is a comparison from 11 years ago. A mix of 2/3 Coconut coir is on the left, and my usual mix of 2/3 Miracle-Gro Sphagnum Peat on the right. Both mixes contained 1/6 each of Miracle-Gro Perlite and fine vermiculite.

I never used coconut coir again.

Bob

 

[Plinsc]

This might be what I was thinking of
“

Salt content​

Coconuts are usually rinsed in saltwater as part of their processing. As a result, most coco coir has a high salt content. Be sure to rinse coir several times in water to wash away the salt before using coir to start seeds. Salt interferes with the roots’ ability to absorb water and nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron, which could be detrimental for your vulnerable seedlings. “

Coco Coir: How To Start Seeds And Help Seedlings Thrive

You may have heard all the buzz surrounding coco coir and its new role in horticulture. Many are finding success using coco coir as a soilless growing medium in hydroponic systems, and home gardeners and farmers are catching on. Coco coir is starting to rival peat moss as a favorite growing...

www.tinygardenhabit.com

That was a random search

 

[marshall9779]

Had two but I left outside in full sun almost all day cuz I forgot about them and one died so just going to have this one. Starting to put more leaves out now.

 

[deluxestogie]

Even a single plant will be beautiful. When your total intended number of plants is small, I suggest starting twice as many as you can use.

Several layers of cheesecloth can act as an effective shade cloth, if you can't watch it closely in the sun. (Mine usually won't go near the full, outdoor sun until much larger.)

Bob

 

[marshall9779]

Starting to take off a little now.

 

[marshall9779]

Getting bigger but really getting eaten up if I leave outside at night. Had it on the rail of my deck. Went to bring it in last night after dark and there were about a dozen little centipede looking things that I’m guessing are the culprits. I sprayed with an organic pesticidal soap but I guess they don’t mind it.

 

[marshall9779]

Been in the five gallon bucket for 3 weeks now and has really exploded since transferring. Burned a couple leaves with the insecticidal soap I used. Didn’t have that problem before. Gonna hold off on it for now since doesn’t look like anything else is going after it at the moment.

 

[Knucklehead]

Huge difference. That's a beautiful plant!

 

[marshall9779]

Just topped today.

 

[marshall9779]

Went on vacation for 5 days last week. Noticed a couple holes in leaves before I left and sprayed good. Came back and found about a half dozen of these eating away. I think they are immature tomato horned worms. Put quite a hurting on what I could use for wrapper. Still have at least a few halves I can use as wrapper. Tried to get to three weeks after topping but with the worms really getting to it and the bottom leaves really starting to turn yellow I cut her down yesterday, 3 days short of three weeks since topping.

 

[ChrisN]

I'd recommend spraying BT. Will help keep those caterpillars/worms away.
Beautiful plant!

 

[deluxestogie]

A few, scattered small holes usually won't prevent cutting several wrappers from an otherwise nice leaf. BT can be sprayed weekly, but it is rinsed away by rain, and needs to be repeated after it rains.

The tiny hornworm in your hand appears to be about two days since hatching.

Bob