2017 04 UK by SoftSecrets

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THE CANNABIS NEWSPAPER SINCE 1985

Issue 4 - 2017

11 AMSTERDAM

Growing Monsters

40 Reverse Osmosis System

45 Ladybirds vs. Spider Mites

18+ For adults only. Soft Secrets is published six times a year by Discover Publisher BV Netherlands

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CATALONIA SPAIN LEGALIZES CANNABIS CULTIVATION AND CONSUMPTION The days of Catalonia’s cannabis clubs operating in a legal limbo are coming to an end, and for a good reason. Last June, the Catalonia Parliament in Spain, which operates as its own autonomous government, will be regulating the cultivation, consumption, and transport of adult-use cannabis. This ambitious and bold decision marks the first time in Europe that an adult-use system of this nature is permitted, effectively making cannabis a legal commodity in the region. Three years in the making, the decision is finally receiving broad party support within the Catalan government. In 2014, a resolution was passed asking government officials to create a series of regulations for cannabis clubs, but due to a lack of consensus among the working groups, the idea quickly lost momentum. Then in 2015, a group known as La Rosa Verda collected more than 56,000 signatures,prompting the creation of a paper in Parliament with contributions from over 30 cannabis experts. These included psychologists, sociologists, pharmacologists, doctors and a host of others. The results culminated into this historic move, where growing, consuming and transporting cannabis will no longer be scrutinized by authorities. “We did not want to do something halfway,” said Alba Vergés, Chairwomen of the Health Commission in Parliament. Vergés is referring to the famous “backdoor law” which existed for decades in places like Holland and Amsterdam, where selling marijuana was legal but cultivation was still run by

the black market. That is why growing pot is included in this landmark decision by the Catalonians. The new regulations say that cannabis clubs cannot produce more than 150 kg of dried marijuana per year. Each crop will require a sign-off from an agronomist to determine if the amount grown is in line with the amount consumed for each cannabis club. When cannabis is being transported, club managers must have documents detailing the association responsible for the crop. As well, the identity of the carrier, the destination of where it’s going, the date, quantity, and type of product must be known; public transport cannot be used for distribution.

Although these new regulations are for the benefit of Catalonians who enjoy cannabis, marijuana tourism is not permitted. Because of this regulation, the new rules will stipulate that anyone who applies to be a member of a cannabis club will need to wait 15 days until they can partake in the club’s marijuana crop. Anyone over the age of 21 can purchase up to 60 grams per month, and those who are between 18-21 are only permit ted 20 grams per month, but the amounts do not apply to those who use marijuana for medical purposes. As well, these new regulations do not allow the consumption of alcohol in the cannabis clubs or marijuana edibles of any kind. Source: marijuana.com

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3 EDITORIAL

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION AND UNITED NATIONS CALL FOR DECRIMINALISATION OF DRUGS

By Dr. Dee

At the end of June 2017, the WHO and UN issued a joint statement giving their support to those countries considering the review and (possible) repeal or modification of their domestic laws regarding drug use and possession of drugs for personal use (1). Various media sources state that "decriminalisation" is what is meant by this, and use the term repeatedly.

Amnesia Auto uses genetics from the THC-rich Haze original. The parent genetics are stable and reliable, and Auto Amnesia follows the family tradition of top quality cannabis harvests. The Seed Stockers genetics come from a special breeders cut of Amnesia, yields are above average but the quality is well above average and that’s what makes this such an attractive option for home growers that enjoy connoisseur stash. The buds are coated with a silver layer of trichomes, it’s a rich smoke with a soaring high. Seed Stockers recommend harvesting around 75 days after germination when grown indoors, with plants typically reaching 75-110cm. It’s a good variety for outdoor growing too, although Amnesia Auto usually takes a little longer outdoors, around 90 days. More details at seedstockers.com Breeder: Seed Stockers

Amnesia Auto

With THC levels of over 22%, Amnesia Auto is one of the new breed of highly potent autos from Seed Stockers of Barcelona. Seed Stockers are Dutch Passion's sister company, and the Barcelona location gives them access to the best of the Dutch and Spanish genetics.

This move is obviously one to be welcomed, but as one would expect, there are still a number of spectres at the feast. Firstly, it appears that a number of member states - of whom the UK is almost certainly included - have made it clear they have no intention of reviewing their drug laws. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, a Mr Yuri Fedotov had the following to say on the matter: "The nexus between drugs, crime and terrorism reveals a shifting pattern of relationships." While it should be conceded that Mr Fedotov's observations can't be dismissed as untrue or incorrect, it should also be mentioned that the nexus between drugs and the military, prison system and pharmaceutical industry reveals a similar pattern in terms of vested interests and many jobs (some of these very well paid indeed) sustained by a continuation of the War on Drugs. In fact, it could be strongly argued that Mr Fedotov's comments make it very clear that decriminalisation is not going far enough, leaving as it does, a "back door" open for the continued involvement on the supply chain of criminals, cartels, terrorists and whoever else might choose to exploit it. What is really required here is legalisation. Legalisation will mean that (mostly) legitimate businesses would take the reins (although it very strongly remains my view that big business be excluded as far as possible from legalised cannabis), and if the examples of Washington, Oregon, Colorado and the rest are anything to base a judgement on, the criminals will refocus their efforts on whatever else makes them serious amounts of tax free money: people, organ or weapon smuggling appear to be obvious candidates. Decriminalisation is too loose, too messy and far too open to (mis) interpretation. It's largely based on "turning a blind eye", and this really isn't good enough. Legalisation, and the removal of any doubt regarding what is or isn't permissible is what's really required. The main issue is that the drugs still need to come from somewhere, and the tendency of the whole decriminalisation scenario is just to ignore this. A number of commentators regard this arrangement as "pragmatic", but they're wrong: it's actually cowardly, and stems from a refusal to face the situation head on and do what needs to be done for the common good. The problem is that with decriminalisation the drugs will still come from the same places and sources they currently come from, which is to say criminal gangs, some with terrorist affiliations, some not. Decriminalisation might even give these people even more scope to do what they do, while the authorities "turn a blind eye" (even more than they currently do). Many governments baulk at the idea of full legalisation for reasons that remain either obscure or unconvincing. There never seem to have been any solid or evidence-based reasons for the prohibition of cannabis in the first place. Indeed, it is very much smoke and mirrors. If, as seems to be the case, the deeper issue here is that the idea of making money from the drugs trade is problematic for governmental moralists (here in the UK the government seems to have a similar problem with the sex industry), then they really need to put their personal prejudices, likes and dislikes to one side, get over it, and consider what is best for their citizens in terms of both public health and individual liberty. In short, proper pragmatism. 1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/statements/2017/discrimination-inhealth-care/en/

READERS@SOFTSECRETS.NL

Attention Readers! Fancy a FREE packet of FEMINISED seeds from SWEET SEEDS? Then send us a picture of your grow room or best cannabis plant, including a visible copy of Soft Secrets, and we’ll send you 3 seeds. Should your photo happen to feature your beautiful wife or girlfriend wearing a sexy microbikini or super hot lingerie, you will receive 6 seeds. Photo of the Month will even receive 9 prime quality feminised seeds. With compliments of Soft Secrets and SWEET SEEDS!

E-mail your entries to readers@softsecrets.nl. NOTE: All entries are handled with the utmost discretion. We don’t publish out of focus pics, and we don’t like photos of plants in veg stage. It’s fat buds & sweet babes we want to see!

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T SA

Peyote s e i k o o C

NEW

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Peyote Cookies originates from the blend between Peyote Purple and our Legendary Cookies Kush.

This is a plant that is a vigorous hybrid, robust and easy to cultivate with dazzling ruby and purple colours. Peyote Cookies has a very intense ﬂavour of guava and earth, with nuances of vanilla and coffee. Its effect is powerful, relaxing and long lasting.

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EC LCD controller Purple Kush for 2 fans This controller takes advantage because of its full complect including LCD display, keyboard, power led. The information which the fan gives to the controller is very clear and recognisable that is why it is very easy to make the settings. The other advantage is that the light sensor which is in the probe can recognize day/night modes. The EC fan controller is completely ready for use, including power adapter, sensor cable, 2 cables for the fan, and all the connectors. You can choose between 15 settings to program.

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Kannabia Seed Bank might be Spain´s best kept secret - master breeders constantly developing their strains to offer the best results for the grower. Their new strain, Purple Kush, is no exception. This Indica hybrid is a super-strong blend of Black Domina with Purple Kush. Kannabia Purple Kush is highly adaptable, suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. From its Black Domina side it gets a high resistance to pests and diseases, making growers´ lives easier with minimum crop maintenance, plus a nice quick flowering cycle, 60 days or less with minimum fertiliser requirements. From its Purple Kush side it gets its super-strength – famed as one of the strongest Indica strains of all time - plus its distinctive purplish tones, most notable in its resin-loaded buds. High in THC and low in CBD, its affect is euphoric but highly calming. Purple Kush´s hit is clearly Indica, relaxing you with a dreamy buzz, but without knocking you out. FLAVOUR: Dark earthy flavours with a rich fruity edge INDOOR Flowering cycle: 55-60 days Yield: 500 gr/m2 OUTDOOR Harvest: Mid October Average height: 180-200 cm Yield: 800 gr/plant

SHOP REVIEW

CLUB MEDIA, AMSTERDAM A GEM STONE IN THE PIPE

Deep in the heart of Amsterdam, near the world famous Albert Cuyp market, leighs one of the gem stones of the very hip district known as ‘The Pipe’ (De Pijp). Since last year, coffee shop Club Media switched ownership and is now being run by two former employees of Cannabis pioneer Sensi Seeds. And that shows, since the menu of this special shop is fingerlickin’ good and the prices

are more than reasonable. This year Club Media participated for the first time in the Highlife Cup and promptly won first prize in one of the main categories, Haze on soil. With their Amnesia Haze they even scored the most points of all contesting coffee shops! Co-owner and manager Jeroen, who works together with Gio Dronkers

formerly of Sensi Seeds, leads us around in his neat shop. What stands out immediately is the sense of space. There are relaxed leather seats and large tables for guests to sit at. There is also an open kitchen, which only increases the living room feeling. Club Media can certainly not be called a dark cave, unlike many shops nearby. Jeroen: “We deliberately chose an open and accessible coffee shop where customers immediately feel at home. At the entrance you immediately pass by the dealers window, so the customers who comes to collect some stuff, doesn’t actually have to be inside the shop. That relaxes the clients who are inside in the separate smoking area chilling with a joint or a vaporizer.” For the craving or munchies Club Media has a nice menu of savouries like grilled cheese sandwich, muffins or famous chocolate bars and also the choice of drinks is large, ranging from mint tea and Ice tea Green to all kinds of exotic coffee flavors that are made with an huge Cappucino device on-site. But what the visitors first comes for is the menu of smokeables. And that looks pretty good. For

the weed lovers, the Highlife Cup Amnesia Haze is of course high on the list. In addition to that, the shop has a number of Haze species on the menu that we do not encounter every day, such as the Mako Haze, the Champagne Haze and the renowned AMG Haze. Of course, classics like White Widow, OG Kush and Cheese do not lack, as well as the Super Skunk that comes from the Sensi Seeds catalog. Hashj lovers can enjoy commercial hash types like Polm, Ketama and Super Maroc, as well as a number of specials like the Mazar Cream, the Nepal Polm (First Zeving) and Iron Star Ice-o-Lator. And we did not even mention the Carramellow, which allowed the shop to score second place at the Highlife Cup this year, in the Hasj Traditional category. In short, for each there own, from the spoiled smoker looking for quality to the common smoker who wants to get something affordable fast. So if you are near the Albert Cuyp market we strongly advise you to stop by this excellent shop, which in 2016 was awarded the Best Coffeeshop of the Netherlands by the coffeeshopsinfo.nl website.

Club Media Gerard Doustraat 85, 1072 VN Amsterdam Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 08:30 hr - 00:00 hr Friday: 08:30 hr - 01:00 hr / Saturday: 09:00 hr - 01:00 hr Sunday: 09:00 hr - 00:00 hr

Web: http://coffeeshopclubmedia.nl

GROW WITH STONEY TARK

TRAINING OUTDOOR PLANTS GROWING MONSTERS

In this article I will explain the techniques that can be applied to your outdoor gardens, to turn a good grower great and how to grow plants, that are on par with the Californian grows. You will learn about various techniques such as L.S.T, super cropping, fimming, as well as the ideal time to perform each of these steps and many other useful tips that will ensure your grow will be as close to perfect as possible. PLANT CANOPY

The canopy of the plant describes how the top and bottom parts are growing, so one way a grower can take control of the actual outcome of the harvest is by maximising the amount of flowering sites there can be. By now it is mid July and your plants will have been growing from April time or perhaps a few months later, either way your plant will have

selves which will allow the plant to grow back and encourage smaller shoots to grow upwards. The reason this happens is because the hormone Auxin is no longer triggered as the top shoot is not in a vertical upright position. If you are doing this with smaller plants then you must be delicate and work slowly. However if you

Tying a taller plant down will look like this once under the canopy

those are they are cheap, very flexible and incase of an emergency the elastic can be bitten off in seconds. I work with fabric pots and

pierce the fabric pot or the standard plastic pots. Simply cut the elastic bands in half so you have a long string of elas-

AS THE SHOOTS ARE ALL TIED DOWN AND SET IN PLACE WITH A NICE TENSION, YOU WILL WANT TO BEND, TWIST AND BREAK THE INNER CELL WALLS OF THE STEM creating a hole with a small screw driver takes no time at all and does not disturb the medium. For the next stage you will need a handful of elastic bands, a pair of sterile scissors, clean fingers and thumbs and a small screwdriver to

tic that can be stretched with no problem. Of course you will want large sized elastic bands for this and smaller elastic bands can dry in the sun quickly and become useless.

TYING THE TOPS

When you take the end of your

The small shoots will now grow to establish themselves as thick hard branches

a thick trunk and strong woody side branches. If you have left the plant to grow naturally and have not been tempted to see what techniques you can apply, then the plant will be as tall as possible and not as wide. The lower side branches may have grown upwards and you have lots of shoots and branches. This is the time now where you can execute my style of growing and create a top canopy like never before.

GETTING HANDS ON WITH YOUR PLANTS

Tying down our side branches and top shoots is the first step, so getting hands on with your plants is key. You will want to basically pull all of the vertical shoots below them-

are working with a mature plant that has multiple tops already, then this process can be done a little bit faster and with less resistance on the branches being manipulated. Before you start to tie anything down, a good rule of thumb is to slowly bend it back with your hands and feel how durable it actually is. Do you consider it softwood or hardwood so before any permanent pressure is applied? Ensure the branch in question will comply and not completely snap the top part of the shoot off.

USING ELASTIC BANDS

I personally like to use elastic rubber bands when tying my plants down for several reasons. Some of

Tying the bands securely to the pots keeps the tension on the bending stem

12 selected branch, you will want to tie the elastic band around once creating a loose grip, whilst leaving enough slack and elastic band so you can then create a secondary knot to secure the first loop in place. The reason why this is the best way is to avoid any tied bands that are creating a severing effect. You should be able to then pull up and down on the elastic and see how durable your branch is. The

the plant responds and becomes chunky and thick in order to support itself and prepare for the heavy harvests ahead. Once you have all of the branches tied down and the original top part of the plant can no longer be identified in the bush of curved stems and elastic bands, now is the time that we want to think about super cropping those tied down branches

When tying the first loop, always leave enough room to create a comfortable fit around the top of the shoot

A look inside the pot will reveal a thick chunky woody stem, with strong shoots growing

whole point of this is to promote all of those smaller shoots inside the canopy, to grow upwards and become taller than the part that has been tied down. Once you have found the right amount of slack to create a horizontal branch, do not worry about the end not being totally sideways. Adjusting the extended branches over time is what makes this technique so effective. By working with the slack of the band, find a point in your pot to make a hole the elastic band will fit through and be double tied back on itself. A good tip to remember is the lower down the pot you make the hole, the more of the branch is being exposed and will receive more light. I personally like to start off tying the band only an inch below the top of the pot, however as the plants grow longer and bushy, I then tie down the top of the extended shoot and this time make a hole so it is half way down the pot and really expose all of the original lower branch. If you do this technique with 10 20 side branches the effect is an extremely bushy plant that will grow with a dense inner canopy of strong lower branches. The benefits that this technique has on the mainstem and side branches is very positive, as you see from the pictures,

and really giving the plant some new support and thick green golf ball sized knuckles.

SUPER CROPPING AND SNAPPING STEMS

The aim of the game with super cropping is to create a naturally healed broken stem. For those of

When a person breaks a bone, it will be set in a cast until the calcium deposits grow back and form a new stronger bone. In effect this is what happens when a stem is put through the same trauma. As the shoots are all tied down and set in place with a nice tension, you will want to bend, twist and break the inner cell walls of the stem. Usually a squeeze from your fingers will do the trick but a good twist and snap can force the new growth to be like a ball of hardwood. Either way once the break is in place growth repair hormones are released throughout the plant to allow it to heal faster and stronger, just like the scenario of the broken arm. It does not take much pressure on some plants and some will be soft and easy to pop, whilst other mature ones may need more of a twist and

TIME TO F.I.M

This is the last step that you need to do to make the tying down all worth it. You will want to get a clean pair of scissors and remove 70% of the top leaves. By doing this it actively slows down the main growing tip and will now focus its energy on the lower growth until the remaining 30% of the removed tip grows accordingly again with the rest of the plants. Incase you are wondering why it is called F.I.M, it means Flip I Missed which means the original intention was to totally remove the top leaves, creating two new shoots instead of one. If you go around to the top of each tied down branch, delicately cut off the 70% or as close as you can to that amount of leaf matter. You are only slowing the speed of top growth down for around one week and this is when you will really see the inner smallest shoots take a dominant role inside the canopy.

ONE WEEK LATER

Within a few days you will already see the enormous impact that the tying down, snapping and fimming have had on the plants. How much you keep on tying down and extending further will determine the final size of the canopy to be either huge or enormous. Of course not everyone has the luxury of growing full scale plants outdoors and must be discreet and obey to their countries laws to some degree.

TWO WEEKS LATER For each plant you will need around 15 - 20 elastic bands

you who freak out when the slightest thing happens to your plants may shy away at the benefits of breaking stems.

pushing at a 45 degree angle. The fact that the branches are tied with tension, the breaks will heal quicker and ensure that they set in place.

You should remove any new lower growth and star to focus on clearing out the lowest parts, so when you peek down into the lower parts of the stems and branches, it is relatively clear and you can see what has established as permanent hardwood and what can be rubbed away with your fingers.

13 Once the smallest leaves have been cleaned away, you can now leave the plant to completely grow back and become a giant bush. It may be that you are close to the end of summer and the plant will soon begin to stretch and focus on heavy flower sets. If you have been doing something similar from day 1, then you will have an epic plant that needs to be cleaned up quite a lot when flowering does commence. You are close now to the days becoming shorter and as result, the cannabis plant will begin to show pre flowers then stretch to as high as possible in following months. If you have followed the guide correctly, you will find that all of your stem joints are dense woody golf balls . Identifying which part of the plant is the top should be almost impossible.

FEEDING REGIME

One thing you will need to consider is that a plant that will produce a large quantity of fruit, despite what

Feeding at 5ml per litre and feeding plain water once every 3rd day. Once the medium is completely dry, then I will top feed until there is drip through, however because my plants are so thick and chunky, they are drinking like crazy and this is when you know you have a happy strong root system ready to pack on the pounds

HINTS AND TIPS FOR INSECT CONTROL

A very good way to grow really big plants is to camouflage your grow space. If you have a clean colourful terrace or garden, then helicopters and neighbours may think again before taking a closer look. A great way to cover your plants from above is to have a tight thin rope that can accommodate several hanging baskets. Having one side of your garden dedicated to things such as tomatoes, chilis, peppers, strawberries and other low profile plants can allow you to get away with a lot

F*CK

YOU GROWER

The double knot will keep the tension on the branch and will prevent any rubbing into the plants

the plant is, they needs water and an abundance. My 25 litre felt pot drinks 10 litres of water every day. In the right conditions like Southern Europe, plants can grow enormous if treated to adequate levels of water. Below is a list of my organic medium followed by what they are fed and how often: ȏ &RFR ȏ 3HUOLWH ȏ :RUP +XPXV ȏ %DW *XDQR 3RZGHU

ȏ %ODFNVWUDS 0RODVVHV ȏ %LREL]] )LVK 0L[

ȏ 5HPR 1XWULHQWV 6XJDU &DQG\

Each plant receives 5-10 litres depending of the stage of growth.

more than bombing out a terrace and start sweating every time you hear a helicopter fly close. Below is a list of all of the friendly plants that create a natural defense to your cannabis plants, against the threat of aphids, spider mites, thrips, flies, slugs and snails: Chervil: Slugs avoid this particular shrub and will do all they can to keep away from it. A great natural defense especially if you live in wet green areas prone to slugs and snails as many do in the UK. Basil: A natural repellent of thrips, flies, mosquitoes, snails and slugs by releasing a natural insecticide from the leaves. This plant not only

Keep on Growing

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14 increases oil production of other plants, it is great to have indoors to stop unwanted insects also. Mint: A fresh smelling herb that will help mask your dankness with some minty freshness. Mint is also useful as it can be placed close to

coriander. This plant is a natural repellent for spider mites and having this around your cannabis plants will make sure those pesky spider mites keep well away. Marigold: These bright orange circular flowers are great to deter aphids

Here are 4 plants all at different ages growing the same. Each will require a wooden pallet to grow on as they grow vigorously

parts of the day and in the long term, your plants will be in much better shape than left to handle such extreme heat.

When adjusting the level of tension when tying down, feed the elastic band through and always make sure there is a firm secure knot

the plants with no problems. Mint can even be harvested and used in drinks and food also. Chamomile: If you have been plagued by whitefly this year living in Southern Europe, then invest in plenty of chamomile plants. These sun flower friendly plants produce a terpene that whitefly dislike like very

and mosquitoes. Not only will these allow your garden to blend in with your bushy cannabis plants, they also add colours of orange and red to your garden.

HINTS AND TIPS FOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL

A big problem that many growers also experience during the long

A good way to shade your plants is to either move the plants in accordance with the sun and find a shade spot during 12-3, or create a cover that will keep all the light and heat out. Many growers often say that spraying plants when it is hot burns them but keeping them in a shade spot and spraying them is very refreshing for the plants and allows them to work on transpiration.

August can be devastatingly hot and an increase in temperatures can really wipe crops out. Keeping on top of how much water your plant is taking from the medium or sucking from the air is imperative, especially after such a distance into the growing season.

CONCLUSION

Good luck training up your outdoor monsters and scoring the biggest yields you have ever had. Big tall plants do not necessarily mean big yields. Get used to growing with many other plants

WITHIN A FEW DAYS YOU WILL ALREADY SEE THE ENORMOUS IMPACT THAT THE TYING DOWN, SNAPPING AND FIMMING HAVE HAD ON THE PLANTS Using white tiles on the floor keeps the roots happily warm without touching any floors that are too hot to even walk on. July until

as mentioned above and discover that being subtle is being safe. Peace Out!

Once you have cleaned the inner parts up, there should be clear branches growing strongly

much. Keep these around your crop and you will notice how effective these plants are. Coriander: Anyone who has had problems this year with spider mites outdoors, should consider growing

hot summer months is excess heat stress. This week in Spain, there was a weather warning as temperatures were expected to exceed 40 degrees celsius and above. A good way to combat this problem is to keep your plants shaded during the hottest

Here is one plant that has been growing since April in Spain. The size is currently over a metre squared

GROW WITH MR. JOSÉ

HOW TO GROW ORGANICALLY

ic, though, we should make sure that the clones come from mother plant that has also been grown organically. However, it’s often impossible to know for sure, especially if the clones come from someone else’s mother plant. Considering how long the period between planting the clones and harvesting mature plants is, though, I believe that the yield from clones whose “mother” has been grown conventionally (non-organically) can also be considered organic.

Benefits of Organic Growing I personally believe that the main benefit of “bio” growing lies in the fact that it is environmentally friendly and that it doesn’t create anything nature would not be able to deal with. When growing organically, we can – after harvest – dump the growing medium onto the compost or leave it anywhere outside without causing any kind of imbalance or undesirable pollution. This applies to both indoor and outdoor growing. Another major benefit is the fact that what doesn’t harm nature doesn’t harm people either. If we use only organic

to my personal experience, organically grown ganja smells and tastes different.

Growing Medium for Organic Growing Now let’s get to work. In order to start growing organically, we need an organic growing medium. What kind of growing medium to chose depends on where and how we want to grow. If we want to grow plants in pots under artificial light, or on the balcony, terrace, backyard or on a window sill, I would recommend buying an organic growing medium in a hobby store. This way we make sure that our growing medium is well mixed and that the plants in all pots will grow in the same environment with the same nutrient ratio. The nutrients contained in organic growing media are typically acquired from peat, guano, and other plant and animal products. Shopping assistants are usually happy to assist with choosing the right organic growing medium. When growing organically, we should try to produce as little waste as possible. This is why we’re not going to use highly

Organic buds

The production of organic raw material is nowadays hot in almost all industries focused on making edible products. One could say that a certain part of Western society is trying to go back to the roots by taking an interest in what people consume and how this food was grown and processed. Cannabis and cannabis-based products are no exception. So let’s take a %\ 0U -RV« LQIR#PUMRVH HX look at organic growing. What Does Organic Growing Mean? Some say that products labeled as “bio” or “organic” cost at least twice as much as products with no such label. While there is some truth to that, the number of customers who are willing to pay higher prices is rising fairly quickly. The result is that producers and sellers are actively trying to get their products labeled as “bio” or “organic” to increase their profits. That’s perfectly normal. However, this behavior leaves some space for deception and labeling regular products as “bio”. In case of this article, we obviously don’t want to deceive ourselves nor anyone else. Let’s make clear what organic growing means to us. It’s essentially a method of growing in which organic materials of plant or animal origin are used during all the phases, from planting the seed to harvest. Mineral fertilizers, chemical pesticides or nutritional supplements containing non-organic materials must not be used. The growing medium may include inor-

ganic materials, such as sand, perlite, or expanded clay. Both organic fertilizers and growing media may be processed and modified by humans. This means that, for the purpose of organic growth, we don’t necessarily need to use only materials freely available in nature. To give an example of what organic growth looks like, let’s say we have our very own compost to which we regularly add food leftovers and mown grass. We also mix it with soil with zero mineral fertilizer and pesticide content. We plant one cannabis seed into this growing medium and the seed grows into a plant. Throughout this plant’s life, we use only commercially available organic fertilizer or our own homemade plant and animal fertilizers. In order to prevent and eradicate all diseases and pests, we use biopreparations or mechanical traps. We may also grow clones organically. In order for the process to be 100% organ-

Opium by Paradise Seeds, feeded organically of course. Source: Paradise Seeds

materials to grow our plants, we can be sure that no unnecessary chemicals or pesticide poisons would enter our bodies. Thanks to organic growing, we can also give our plants a better taste and smell. Many cannabis growers and users can attest to this. Organically grown weed is of a different quality, simple as that. Not everyone agrees with this conclusion, though. Some growers claim that when grown right, the taste and smell of conventionally grown cannabis is at least comparable to organic counterparts. I believe that it depends on the grower. Not everyone is able to grow great-tasting weed organically. The same goes for conventional growing. Still – according

popular rockwool cubes, because rockwool itself is waste, which is not exactly easy to dispose of. Instead, we let our clones or seeds take roots or germinate in peat or coconut pellets. If there’s enough space for outdoor growing and it is possible plant into the ground, we have a great opportunity to provide our plants with ideal environment while working with natural sources only. But we have to be able to reach them. Provided we dispose of our own soil and can get our hands on some cow or horse manure and a bit of straw, then we’re set. First, dig out a large hole (the larger the better) and dump the horse or cow manure in it (a layer of about

18 10–20 centimeters / 4–8 inches). Then mix ordinary soil with manure in 1:1 ratio and add some straw. This will make the soil more permeable and allow the roots to get enough oxygen. The ideal soil is pretty light and sandy. Now throw a layer of straw on the bottom layer of manure. Then fill the hole up with the mixture of manure and soil. This kind of soil allows for the growth of large plants. Experienced gardeners who maintain their own compost will be able to work with their own organic growing media.

Organic Fertilization We can observe one of the main differences between conventional and organic growing when fertilizing our plants. Without proper and well-balanced nourishment, they won’t be able grow how we’d like them to. One huge benefit of conventional fertilizers lies in the preciseness of their dosage. Every bottle contains the same amounts of active ingredients and one container usually lasts for quite a long time. On top of that, they don’t go bad so fast. Die-hard opponents of organic growing claim they can achieve richer harvest with conventional fertilizers and that the final product always has the same parameters, especially when growing indoors. Once again, it depends on particular grower. You can achieve fantastic results with organic growing as well. Everyone who’s tried out the recipe described at the end of the previous paragraph will surely agree with me. We can choose between quite a few liquid organic fertilizers specifically manufactured for growing cannabis. This is definitely the easiest way. Also, the producers of organic fertilizers also offer their own organic growing media. This means we can simply buy both products from one company with all necessary instructions. Liquid organic fertilizers with instructions are the ideal choice for growing in flower pots. When growing under artificial lights, using these fertilizers is the most sensible choice. The problem with liquid organic fertilizers surfaces when using automatic irrigation systems. After liquid organic fertilizers are mixed with water, they

Manure and straw is optimal organic fertilizer

must be used quickly. Otherwise they start creating deposits and seal up the automatic irrigation system. Also, this nutrient solution goes off rather quickly, so it’s not possible to use it for larger irrigation systems with a larger diameter either.

Stimulants, Prophylactics and Problem Solution

If we want to try our own methods of providing nutrients to plants as well as save some money, we can fertilize them with granular horse manure, guano, or fermented bird droppings. There are many ways to grow using your own resources. Taking advantage of resources available in the environment used to be quite common. It’s important to remember, though, that before the plants start to flower, it’s good to provide them with nitrogen. Nitrogen can be found in farmyard manure or bird droppings (these also contain large amounts of phosphorus). Once flowers start to appear, the plants need more phosphorus and potassium. As mentioned before, phosphorus can be found in bird droppings, and also bone meal and wood ash are rich in it. Wood ash is a valuable source of potassium

When growing organically, it’s important to stay vigilant and pay attention to what we use. Especially if we were used to grow conventionally and with the use of various growth or flowering stimulants. Most of them don’t meet the criteria of organic alternatives. The same goes for protective sprays against pests and diseases. This is where organic growth gets really complicated. Pests and diseases are ubiquitous and it’s important to be prepared for them. Spider mites literally spell disaster for organic growers when growing indoors. It’s sometimes difficult to get rid of them even when using chemical pesticides. I would advise using NeemOil once every ten days or so against pests. It also works as prevention against some fungal diseases. However, the best protection against mold is proper irrigation – we irrigate plants only when the

as well. These methods are more suited for outdoor growing, but experienced growers should be able to apply them when growing in flowerpots, too.

top 1–2 centimeters of the top layer of growing medium have dried up. When growing indoors, we pay attention to humidity, especially in the last four weeks before harvest. To keep relative humidity at 40–50%, sufficient ventilation is necessary. It’s important not to forget about internal air circulation which lowers the risk of the occurrence of mold. When growing organically, we must control our plants more often and more thoroughly. Identifying and solving problems earlier increases the effect of biopreparations on plant protection. So, have you decided to give organic growing a try? Spring is at the door making it the perfect time to look for a suitable place for your outdoor garden. Outdoor growers should definitely prefer organic growing to conventional one, because the environment outside is more suitable for the use of natural resources. In any case, whether you choose to grow organically or conventionally, I wish you all the best in your growing efforts and I am looking forward to see you in the next issue of Soft Secrets.

SEED BANKS

REMO CHEMO: HIGH POTENCY FOR RECREATIONAL AND MEDICINAL USE At Dinafem I was given a sneak peek at its latest Remo Chemo strain sourced from Canada and high in THC, especially designed for medicinal use, but also in high demand among recreational users. J. Searcher Remo Chemo is the result of a partnership between Dinafem and the cannabis expert and youtuber Remo Urban Grower, who is well known in Canada. Remo suffered two different car accidents – in one he broke his shoulder and in the other his neck. Both accidents caused him chronic pain, which he treats with medicinal cannabis.

This crossbreed was in turn crossed with Bubba Kush, a plant with a taste similar to West Coast Kush, so as to contribute to a perfect final blend with medicinal (chiefly analgesic) effects. Both British Columbia and California strains originate from the US west coast. However, at each tasting session both betray a common genetic origin. Canada has its own cannabis culture and Vancouver is its epicentre, similarly to California in the USA, so this strain establishes a perfect Vancouver – California link. It is indeed a well-designed cross with both parents having an intense taste and a soothing effect. The final hybrid is very influenced by UBC Chemo and, for this very

chilly weather, at the end of flowering, it develops purple colours. Remo Chemo yields a lot if grown in a highly sunny and dry aired location. For indoor crops, high luminous intensity and humidity at around 50% are highly recommended. Normal nutrient supply is required, without exceeding, as the plant is not a large eater. Given its large leaves and the optimal flowerleaf ratio, it can be easily trimmed.

Tasting

The plant develops hard and round buds. You will see how nice this sticky candy is with a Kush smell,

IN THE CROP, THE BUBBA KUSH TRAITS ARE PERFECTLY VISIBLE IN THE TYPICALLY INDICA PLANT MORPHOLOGY and decided to sell it in the form of feminised seeds obtained after an accurate breeding process.

Breeding

Remo Chemo is a cross between a cutting of ‘University Of British Columbia Chemo’, known as UBC Chemo, and the pollen of a selected Bubba Kush male. Both parents are of excellent quality. In particular, UBC Chemo is an élite clone with high THC content and is widely popular both among patients needing a physical and relaxing effect and those undergoing chemotherapy.

As Dinafem told me, this partnership originates from the need to create a high-quality crossbreed. But there is also a human aspect behind it: “Remo is a nice and humble person who spends his time entertaining people around him. He lives in Vancouver, a reference place for the Canadian cannabis scene and this strain is a true tribute to the Canadian cannabis culture and any consumers who are seeking THC-rich plants”. Dinafem received a cutting of this hybrid, which was grown from regular seeds of the original crossbreed. After testing and confirming its excellent qualities, they literally fell in love with it

Crop

reason, it was named Remo Chemo, i.e. Remo’s UBC Chemo version. However the influence of its father, Bubba Kush, is clearly perceivable in its profile and taste.

In the crop, the Bubba Kush traits are perfectly visible in the typically Indica plant morphology. If grown indoors, the plant tends to develop a central stem. Outdoors, instead, it tends to be more shrubby, with a medium size and all the typical characteristics of a nice Indica plant. In

and will like it from the moment you first smell it. Its aroma only increases as you smoke it. In the vaporiser, it will turn into an explosion of taste. When rolled and smoked, it will treat you to a dense and delicious puff. High potency is its trump card; with just a few puffs you will be overwhelmed by peace and relaxation of the mind and body. In other words, its combination of potency and relaxation makes it well worth tasting.

Conclusion

To sum up, Remo Chemo has qualities inherited from its parents with a gas and gasoline, typically West Coast Kush taste, an intense smell, massive buds and high potency, with THC between 20 and 24%. The rich Dinafem catalogue is also worth noting, with a product range varying from THC-rich strains (such as Remo Chemo and Moby Dick), through mixed-ratio strains, to the CBD-rich plants of the Dinamed line. In a nutshell, Dinafem’s assortment is rich, modern and well-engineered, fully in line with the 21st century breeding standards. In the seed bank’s breeding rooms I saw with my own eyes that they are continuing this breeding work with ongoing improvements to achieve innovative strains. But this is another story, one I’ll tell you more about in the next article.

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ED ROSENTHAL SHARES SOME OF HIS STRAIN REVIEWS FROM HIS LATEST BOOK ‘THIS BUD’S FOR YOU’ WITH SOFT SECRETS

FRISIAN DEW Available since 2007, Frisian Dew is the high-yield offspring of a potent, easy-to-grow Super Skunk

was selected from a purple strain noted for hardy, robust growing in outdoor conditions. The award-

now Dutch Passion’s most popular outdoor variety. Carefully selected for outdoor conditions in Holland, the name stems from an ancient Germanic ethnic group native to the coastal parts of the country. Frisian Dew is a prolific producer of delicately colored, pink and light-purple buds with a density neither too tight nor too fluffy. Her large, thick leaves turn purple in some growing conditions, and buds on outdoor plants can be quite large.

GROW

Frisian Dew has been bred with a tolerance for outdoor conditions, but she can be grown indoors, too, of course. This branching plant will take all the space allowed, starting with a broad-base until it starts to stretch. Unpruned, Frisian Dew looks quite gangly with a main bloom that will reach great heights. Don’t bother pruning outdoors — leave her to her own devices and watch her go.

The pistils are often pink, as are the trichomes in some plants. This strain needs amply nitrogen in vegetative growth to maximize height — 9 feet (3m) is an average, while 12 feet (4m) is possible in the outdoor sun. Flowers are ready after about 8 weeks of flowering, or start of October outdoors. Yields are bountiful, with some growers reporting up to 5-6.5 pounds (2-3kg).

CONSUME

The aroma of Frisian Dew is mild to medium, while the flavor is earthy spice with hints of citrus and fuel. She generates a strong, fast-acting, quality high that is balanced and builds quickly. The feeling is peaceful and relaxed with a floating, detached, anesthetic effect. Strongly cerebral, this strain is not the best for socializing with crowds or groups that include straights, but it is a good choice for movies and simple pleasures.

WHITE WIDOW WAn internationally renown strain, White Widow is a 1990s classic from the masters at Dutch Passion. Created by crossing a Jungle Brazilian Sativa mother and a hybrid father containing south Indian, this strain is a staple of Dutch coffee shops and seed banks. Her potency and appearance set her apart from the crowd, with a name reflecting both the white frosting of resin that covers plants and her hard-hitting effect. The original buds were rated as “exceptionally potent” by the Dutch Passion test-team, a group with predictably high tolerances, and their judgment has been borne out by repeated award wins.

GROW mom that came out of the Dutch Passion Skunk breeding program of the 1980s. Her Purple Star father

winning Frisian Dew took several years of clone selection and selective breeding to stabilize, and is

While slow to gain height and structure, White Widow’s growth in flowering is so vigorous plants occasionally grow buds on leaves.

The side branches surrounding her massive main cola can become quite heavy with sufficient light. Dutch Passion recommends removing lower branches to allow the plant to focus her energy. Medium-strength fertilizers are fine, but this variety can take heavy feeding in the last month. Light green leaves often go darker as resin loads up during flowering. Two days of total darkness before harvest maximizes the frosting. The light emerald green of her bulbous, oval buds contrasts with burnt-red hairs and a silvery sheen of resin for a look that shouts out, “vaporize me.” A forgiving indoor/outdoor variety that can withstand cold, heat, and drought, White Widow shows her best side under skilled hands in optimum conditions. The famously thick resin protects her from pests, though the discreet gardener will need to guard against

22 her unmistakable stench. Most harvest after 9 weeks of a 12/12 light regimen. Once cured, White Widow’s garden stench translates to a pungent

the start. An “awake and up” type of buzz in smaller doses, sleepiness dominates as you get more onboard, especially 2-3 hours after onset. Delirious, blissful, detached effects enhance activities such as walking and listening music or vis-

yet pleasant aroma and rich, fuelthemed flavors with hints of coffee and sometimes garlic. The hardhitting high of White Widow is cerebral, with plenty of euphoria at

iting with friends. This cerebrally active strain is too much for reading books or watching complicated movies, but White Widow has good all-round medical properties.

CONSUME

CHEESY DICK This nearly pure Indica with a touch of Sativa gets its cheeky name from a play on the popular British holiday treat, “spotted dick,” a rolled pastry sprinkled with rai-

mother, the nasty name was irresistible — especially because the plant’s taste is savory-sweet like the dessert. The variety’s parent-

sins, dried fruit, and creamy custard that’s the UK version of fruitcake. When Big Buddha crossed a reversed father of his UK Cheese clone with a Spanish Moby Dick

age includes some highly potent classics — Critical Mass, Big Bud, and White Widow — while Moby Dick has a reputation for rewarding growers with whale-sized

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With a combination of ruderalis, sativa and indica genetics, this is one psychoactive auto variety that will pick you up and fly you as high as a kite

24 yields foamy with resin. Mixed with what Big Buddha calls “Old Skool Classic,” the result is a hugeyielding plant with classic flavors for the more serious grower.

GROW

Cheesy Dick shows her Indica nature in large medium-dark leaves and high yields. She does well as a multi-branched plant, producing hefty buds on widely spaced internodes and massive main colas. The plants perform best when topped. Odor-control steps will be necessary, as this is as dank a variety as we’ve come to expect from the Cheese fam-

ily. Indoors, flowering time is 8-10 weeks. Outdoors, expect finish at the end of September.

the culmination of this very special project.

CONSUME

This strain favors indoor environments in either soil or hydro but will grow well outdoors in warm southern latitudes. As a multibranching plant, it is well suited to SCROG techniques or super-cropping. Eagle Bill exhibits so much lateral branching an unpruned plant will resemble a candelabra. Compact, bulbous, light-green buds form equally compact groups of calyxes amid thin, light green leaves. Wide internodal gaps and the spiral of buds around the stem and branches show its Sativa heritage, though buds are dense and heavy. This variety has shown different phenotypes represented in its lineage, with two being promi-

One whiff of Cheesy Dick and the spicy cream cheese scent comes through with a hint of blackberry and fruit. The extremely musky dank of its aroma sends a message about this plant’s extreme potency. A favorite of Indica connoisseurs, the flavor is equally strong, with the musky spice of Big Buddha Cheese dominating. The high resin content delivers a real knockout OG stone worthy of the heaviest Indicas.

EAGLE BILL Launched at the beginning of 2016, Eagle Bill is the astonishing product of a secret combination of genetics, including Pure Haze, Colombian, Thai and Jamaican. Created as a tribute to Eagle Bill Amato, the Cherokee medicine man who popularized vaporizing; this strain has a Haze backcross mother and a hybrid Thai and

Jamaican father. One of Eagle Bill’s last wishes was that he be a part of the breeding process of his namesake strain. Sadly, he was unable to experience this uplifting hybrid with its pungent, pineforest aroma and richly satisfying flavor, but everyone involved at Sensi Seeds is confident that he would have thoroughly enjoyed

GROW

nent. One is a very Sativa-like phenotype, developing large buds covered in fox tails. The other is shorter and more skunk-like, with a more compact bud structure. Being a Sativa-dominant variety, this plant can prove tricky for first-time growers. Moderately smelly in the garden, flowering runs 60-70 days. Plants produce medium to high yields.

CONSUME

Eagle Bill has a balanced pungent pine and citrus aroma and flavor that is as ideal for vaporizing as you’d expect from a strain named for the King of Vape. The high is energizing and uplifting, leaving you awake, happy, and giggly. While not great for deep relaxation, this is a good choice for social interactions or creative pursuits.

BIG BUDDHA CHEESE X CHEESE REVERSED

The Big Buddha Cheese x Cheese is a remix of a classic strain. First available in 2004, it was reworked to Version 2 in 2014. The BBCxC

mother is a coveted original UK Big Buddha cheese clone. The father is an original Big Buddha cheese reversed clone with a true

25 reversed backcross of the U.K. The slender, elegant cheese leaves look a bit like a Sativa, but the Indica heritage is immediately evident in this strain’s vigor, superfast growth, and solid branching that spreads to soak up the light. Its electric lime-green color complements the compact foxtail buds that chunk up and get rich with calyxes near harvest.

GROW

BBCxC is a versatile plant suitable for both indoor and outdoor growing in whatever medium the gardener prefers. The Big Buddha Cheese x Cheese is a moderate to heavy feeder that loves all nutrients and boosters. This plant is a winner for all levels of expertise, but the odor of the plant is extremely strong and ramps up to super dank in the last 3 weeks,

so stealth growers should have a plan for controlling telltale odors from reaching the wrong noses.

CONSUME

BBCxC lights up the senses with an amazing, slightly funky taste of sweet berry hash candy. Offering a high-grade, energetic stone with virtually no ceiling, BBCxC takes users on a thoughtful, longlasting journey. The high is awake and cheerful, sometimes giggly and introspective, and always encourages an appreciation of the world. Some medical users say this variety has been effective for their chronic pain conditions, offering continuous relief. As uplifting as it is, it can also aid sleep, though it may leave you a bit thirsty, so have a beverage on your nightstand to soothe cottonmouth.

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GROW REPORT

This old school classic grows dark lush green and has a powerful musky aroma

and I am very impressed. To now squeeze the buds on the plant leaves a greasy black imprint on my finger as the aroma has become a sharp pepper musk. It may sound like a bizarre aroma and flavour pallets but this old school gem sure delivers with a unique taste!

ROYAL AK AUTO 6H[ IHPLQL]HG DXWRȵRZHULQJ Genetics: Auto x AK47 Medium: Coco, Worm Humus, Perlite, Vermiculite Pot Size: 15 litre fabric air pot Nutrients: Biobizz Fish Mix, Ortega, GHE Ripen Growing: Outdoors June to mid August Yield: 83.3 g dry weight I am a big fan of AK47 and the musky dank smell that comes with. so planting these seeds was like going back to my early days. The seeds germinated fine and all sprouted. after 7 days they are a vibrant green with a flexible white stem. The leaves are long and thin and compared to the others automatic strains growing, these leaves are the thinnest of them all. This express some type of sativa trait in there which will come through later on I am sure. After 14 days of sunshine, the AK are growing quite tall and lush fan leaves. They are growing a second set and also growing small side shoots just as fast. When I get a smell of the is plant there is a light musky peppery smell. This plant is now 12cm tall and looks to want to grow tall. There are many side branches forming and filling out the felt pots nicely. The leaf is spread out wide with serrated fingers pointing out and this plant really loves the sunshine. The trunk is growing thick and fast and producing long thin side branches, as I work the branches around each other so they all receive an equal amount of light. The height of the plant is nearly 31cm but this strain is growing taller than the Kush and the Northern Lights, Royal Skunk and Amnesia XXL. There is an old

school peppery scent to this plant,which is not the smelliest but you can detect a fruity hash plant in there. The Royal AK has a real presence in the greenhouse, as it grows lush green and taller. The side branches are starting to catch up height wise with the other remaining tops, expecting this one to be one of the best producers out of the six strains I am growing. After 35 days, the pre flowers are thick and curly. They are starting to slowly explode from the new growth tips and this looks like it will form buds all the way up the branches. The newest leaves look very healthy and vibrant and begin to push for trichomes production. The flowers that are forming have a silver grain look and the leaves are similar. 42 days in and the AK is really filling out and now can be measured at 66cm, with long skinny side branches. The stem is getting thicker and wider as this strain starts to fill out for flowering, and there is no parts of this plant that I need to remove. All of the lowest parts seem to be budding as well as the top parts, as this can be a concern when growing with automatics. This strain is enjoying temps of nearly 23 degrees and after 49 days of sunshine and warmth, this plant has a green and pink glow about it. A very special strain and as it grows this lady looks tropical if that makes sense, very pointy serrated leaves and a strong upper canopy. The buds are taller and the calyx are not small and round like the Kush but more dense. Day 56 and I am getting the most pungent musky smells coming off this plant. When shaking the plant by the main stem, the greenhouse is filled with a musky earthy rotting aroma that smells like it will knock out anyone who will smoke this!

The buds are a dark green but forming so much resin it is hard to not want to take these buds off an extract them as they are. On day 65, the final height is measuring in at 74cm and with a crowded canopy top so

As the buds dry, the room absolutely stinks of an overpowering musky earthy aroma. When smoked the flavour is deep and has a spices pepper on the lips and the high is knock out. The buds are very dark but silver in appearance due to being coated in resin. The buds are actually darker and more silver looking compared to the buds that are on my coffee table. What I really love about this strain is the buds really stink and do not need much encouragement before filling your car or house with an overwhelming aroma. The high can last for several hours and the stone can be pretty intense, especially if you smoke this strain in the morning then expect a day of sleepy burning eyelids. An excellent smoke for really getting the munchies and for sleeping. Overall this is a great strain that produces a lot of high grade flowers. These plants can grow quite tall so be careful with this train as you can have a tall growing stink bomb in no time! If you like the old school pungent smells and the couch lock stone to accompany, then this strain is perfect for you. I would recommend making sure you have friendly neighbours if growing many

WHEN SHAKING THE PLANT BY THE MAIN STEM, THE GREENHOUSE IS FILLED WITH A MUSKY EARTHY ROTTING AROMA THAT SMELLS LIKE IT WILL KNOCK OUT ANYONE WHO WILL SMOKE THIS! if you have small space, becareful with this strain as she will keep growing in height. This strain is nearly one of the tallest next to the Moby Dick XXL and Amnesia XXL

A large producer which will grow tall with many flowers

of these outdoors in the summer time as they can be quite overpowering. Author: Stoney Tark

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AGROBACTERIAS MAXIMISE YOUR YIELDS

Increasingly big and productive plants are right at your fingertips if you let biotechnology in your garden. Plants will definitely be healthier, stronger and stouter with these organic products, without compromising quality. Your harvests will be extraordinarily rich, with an extraordinary explosion of trichomes. Everything is possible. You just need to add nutrient mixes made 7ULFRPD7HDP WULFRPDWHDP#JPDLO FRP

with live microorganisms. Agrobacterias now offers a number of products based on active substances developed for horticulture, which help growers avoid attacks from various pests and diseases affecting cannabis, and increase vital processes for the ultimate improvement of the end product quantity and quality. All nutrient mixes are invariably natural and environmentally friendly. In our cannabis experience, we already had the opportunity to test the effectiveness of one of the best products of this nutrient producer, i.e. Bactohemp. In our last crop, we tested Bactomatik and Bactobloom in approximately two thirds of the 30 autos planted in our grow room and reached record results. The strains grown were all autos, 10 Critical Somas from Advanced Seeds, and 10 Chocolate Skunks plus 10 Bubble Gums from 00 Seeds.

ger and more robust. Our treated Bubble Gums measured 112 cm on average, reaching a peak of 127 cm in a few specimens. The average height of untreated plants, by contrast, did not even reach one

29 quantity and the size of flowers were above the levels of untreated plants. We could perfectly see that buds were better formed and had a higher concentration of trichomes. To dispel any doubt, we weighed the harvested quantities and differences were patently clear. The plants treated with Bactomatik and Bactobloom had grown explosively and produced higher amounts of far better weed. The plants treated with Agrobacterias were 10% to 25% heavier. All of them, except one, exceeded 40 grams, and almost half exceed 50 g vs. the average 37 g of untreated plants. The gap was too wide not to appreciate the usefulness of these products, which need to be used in all crops in order to maximise yields.

Agrobacterias also sells a number of special products for the treatment and prevention of pests and diseases.

PEST CONTROL AND PREVENTION

With such products as Total Explosión, Spider Plant and Snake Poison (100% natural products suited for organic farming), you will obtain protection against, inter alia, attacks of warms and larvae, or the red spiBACTOHEMP der mite and other similar types of This was the first Agrobacterias pests. With this type of protection, product we ever used. It is a power- plants will recover easily after external aggressions and their metabolism will contemAuto Bubble Gum. The 6 porarily be strengthened on the left were treated and stimulated. with Agrobacterias

BACTOMATIK

This is a mix of bacteria living in symbiosis with the plant roots and benefiting the plant by multiple mechanisms. Bactohemp helps remove flowering bacteria and duplicate the bacteria that favour root growth and the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. It also favours resistance to stress and the lack of water and nutrients. While being suited to any plant, it is particularly indicated for auto strains and can be applied at the earliest appearance of leaf tips curling up, with two or three later applications maximum. In our crop, we applied Bactomatik, during growth, in 6 out of the 10 plants grown for each strain. A few days after the first application, our treated plants were noticeably more developed. During their bloom, we measured a much higher average height of those treated with the product vs. the remaining ones, and 90% of those treated were even big-

ble potassium and phosphorus soluble for a better flowering phase. A single application is sufficient for the full plant life. The plants we treated with Bactohemp grew healthier and more robust, and their flowering was far better in comparison with untreated plants.

metre… even if an untreated Bubble Gum grew up to 123 cm.

BACTOBLOOM

Bactobloom is a bacterium-based flower stimulator that is suited for organic farming and also favours the production of sugars. This product contains bacteria favouring growth; the number of bacteria that improve bud size and density is also doubled. It promotes the production of resin and the absorption of insoluble potassium and phosphorus. Finally, it favours the proliferation of secondary roots and rhizosphere life. When applied to our garden in combination with Bactomatik, in the same group of 6 out of 10 plants, we observed and measured a better development during plant flowering. By the naked eye, the resin

ful bio-stimulator for organic farming based on 7 families of bacilli and bacteria living in symbiosis with roots. This mix favours an explosive root growth that contemporary provides protection against fungi (such as Fusarium, Phytophtora or Alternaria), continuously produces

PLANT STRENGTHENERS

Agrobacterias markets a line of wonderful organic fungicides and plant strengtheners to combat various diseases. In particular, Amanitha is a fungicide based on Bacillus Amyloquetaciens to be used effectively against powdery mildew and botrytis. In addition, it stimulates plant development, promotes the proliferation of microbial life, improves plant defences and increases recovery from the stresses caused by fungal diseases. Another organic strengthener and fungicide is Muskaria, a product based on a horsetail and nettle extract, which acts against mildew, powdery mildew and other fungi while increasing the thickness of cell walls to prevent the proliferation of pathogens. Do you want your plants to grow bigger and more resinous? Do you

THE GAP WAS TOO WIDE NOT TO APPRECIATE THE USEFULNESS OF THESE PRODUCTS, WHICH NEED TO BE USED IN ALL CROPS cytokinins, auxins and gibberellins, fixes atmospheric nitrogen into the substrate, and consequently stimulates growth. Another advantageous property is its power to make insolu-

only want to use organic, environmentally friendly products? Then you have no other choice but to nourish and protect them with Agrobacterias products.

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THE ONLY ORIGINAL AND GUARANTEED SEEDS FROM SWEET SEEDS® ARE THOSE SOLD IN THEIR ORIGINAL PACKAGING. C/ Dr. Nicasio Benlloch nº36-38 · 46015 · Valencia · Spain · +34 963 890 403 / +34 628 593 887 · WHOLESALERS: +34 963 473 730 / +34 963 404 289 · Fax +34 961 939 618 · info@sweetseeds.es Sale forbidden to people under 18 years old. Seeds for collection purposes exclusively. It is illegal to make them germinate. They are not for agriculture purposes. Consult laws about cannabis applied in your place of residence. Sweet Seeds® will not be accountable for illegal use of these seeds done by third parties.

GROW WITH JORGE CERVANTES

SIGHTING THE GARDEN SUNLIGHT AND SITING THE GARDEN

Before siting the garden, remember that all tools, irrigation equipment, soil, fertilizer, and so on must be carried to the garden. Bulk soil and amendments are easiest to move on flat ground. Make plans with this in mind when constructing backyard or terrace gardens and large gardens of any type. Cannabis plants need 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, preferably during midday, at minimum levels of 4,500 foot-candles (48,437.6 lux), to flower well and produce a good crop. Lower levels of light prolong harvest and lower both quality and yield. Cannabis requires the most intense sunlight during flowering. Receiving more hours of direct sunlight during flowering promotes thick, dense flower buds. Ideally cannabis should be planted in an open, level fi eld with no shade. But most often gardens are shaded by trees, houses, buildings, and so forth, and it is not possible for them to receive full sunlight all day long. On the summer solstice (the longest day of the year), the angle of the sun at 40.3º north latitude* is 73.2º. On the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the angle of the sun at the same latitude is 26.2º. As the angle of the sun climbs in the sky, sunlight intensifies and lower shadows are cast from objects over gardens. In the fall when the angle of the sun drops in the sky, intensity diminishes and objects throw a longer shadow.

Direct sunlight can heat foliage and cause plants to transpire excessive amounts of water in order to stay cool. Shade cloth stretched over plants will lower temperatures by blocking a percentage of the sunlight that hits foliage. A natural breezeway is also formed between the shade cloth and plants, which helps to cool them even more. If shade cloth is not an option, give plants heavier doses of magnesium and calcium. See also “drought” in the Index. Scout garden sites in winter and try to visualize how trees will cast shadows during summer months, and ow plants will get 5 to 6 hours of midday sun. Use one of the many iPhone or Android phone apps that tell you exactly where the sun will be on specific dates. Remember that the sun takes a higher path in the late spring and summer. Six hours of direct midday sun per day is essential for acceptable growth. More is better. Southfacing gardens, hillsides, and terraces receive full sun all day long. See chapter 11, Greenhouses, for more

Sunlight intensity diminishes as the angle declines in the sky. Sunlight is about 15 percent less bright from September to October when the sun is lower in the sky. The drawing shows the sun at a 75-degree angle in summer and near its lowest angle, in winter, of 28 degrees.

information on hours of light per day for various climates.

Outdoors, hours of daylight are short in spring and increase in length dur-

Measuring the path of the sun through the sky can be guesstimated by standing at planting sites and looking toward the sun. Hold your arm up and track the arc of the sun. Figure the sun will climb and drop in the sky, and guess about how much shadow it will throw. Or you could buy one of several applications such as the Sun Seeker for an iPhone or an Android phone that allows you to type in any date and see the path of the sun. I love this application! *The angle of the sun changes in relation to latitude. In the USA, Eureka, California; Salt Lake City, Utah; and the border between Kansas and Nebraska, are all about 40.3º north latitude and Madrid, Spain is very close to the same latitude.

Shade cloth stretched over plants will help keep them cooler during the day and a little warmer at night

Several different “sun position” apps can be downloaded for iPhones and Android phones that will help you site your garden so that it gets the maximum amount of sunlight.

Site the garden in the spring by standing where the plants will grow. Hold up your hand and cover the sun. Trace an imaginary line through the sky where the path of the sun will be.

by one plant that has an effect on another plant. The release of allelotoxic chemicals is a survival mechanism that allows certain

plants to compete with or kill other plants. The chemicals often inhibit seed germination, root development, or nutrient uptake.

This is an excerpt from chapter 12 “Outdoors” from the Cannabis Encyclopedia (596 pages, 2,000+ color images, large A4 format) by Jorge Cervantes that is available everywhere in English. Spanish edition will be available January 2017. For more information please see Jorge´s website, www.marijuanagrowing.com.

Check the soil drainage by digging a small hole and filling it with water.

ing summer. Daylight hours diminish in fall and winter. The shortest day of the year falls on or near December 21, and the longest day of the year falls on or near June 21. Note that at 40° north latitude, the maximum amount of sunlight is only 15.2 hours on June 21. If plants are grown in a greenhouse, supplemental light could be applied to increase production.

Special Planting Considerations

Little research has been done on

cannabis and plants that produce allelotoxic chemicals.* Some plants are immune to these toxins, and others are not. These chemicals may not affect cannabis, or all varieties of cannabis. Nonetheless, avoid planting under trees or near bushes that produce allelotoxic chemicals, including: black cherry, cottonwoods, hackberry, junipers, sassafras, sugar maples, and walnut trees. Black walnut trees are the worst. *Allelotoxic chemicals are released

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GROW WITH STONEY TARK

ALL ABOUT MOLASSES PACKING ON WEIGHT If you are an organic grower and have years of experience with thick, shiny gloopy nutrients, that feel as dense as can be then you will have come across a product that uses molasses. The use of molasses has been well known for years amongst the older growers, however it is something that is not discussed so much, or the benefits and relevance they have with the microbes within your grow medium. 6WRQH\ 7DUN What Are Molasses?

As people we are supposed to be accountable for the amount of sugars and salts we consume on a daily basis. That being said the same applies to our beloved plants and one way to get your plants to really pack on weight, is to feed them the equivalent of plant junk food. Naturally the plant will produce sugar in accordance with the rate of photosynthesis, as a way to feed itself unaided. As a grower you can add high levels of sugars to the plants which will be converted by the microbes in the growing medium. Molasses are a thick shiny viscous tar like syrup which is the result of a sugarcane, sugar beet or a black strap press. As sugar is made into a white clear crystalline compound, the contents which is pressed and then boiled results in this liquid thick black mineral rich bi product. Depending on how many times the syrup is heated to boiling will determine the grade and mineral content of the final molasses.

Microbes and Carbohydrates

There is not a clear link amongst modern day organic growers and beneficial bacteria. As it something that we cannot see, we usually do not take note of the daily relevance and integrity that microbes with the soil and grow medium have with plants. Many companies will sell a grow or ripening product that is heavy and thick with a sweet caramelised salty aroma. This product will be designed to bulk up the plant, however you must remember that the microbes will convert the sugars first before giving back to the plants.

Thick and shiny and packed full of minerals and carbohydrates

Adding molasses or any sugar based product during flowering is most beneficial, yet adding it as part of your feeding regime from day one makes a huge difference. A good comparison would be training to be a bodybuilder in the gym and having all your protein and carbs ready from the first day. The results will speak for themselves as opposed to only hammering the protein when you see the first gains.. Beneficial bacteria require carbon just like any other life form on earth and there is no better cocktail of high minerals and carbs than molasses. There is a natural symbiotic relationship that plants have with microbes that has existed for thousands of years, one of the best examples of this is the rainforest floors. The floor and root system are actually combined as one through a network of beneficial bacteria called Trichoderma. This is actually present in Canna coco and can be bought as a powdered spore of liquid brew. If you imagine that a piece of fruit drops onto the rainforest floor and begin to decompose naturally. The microbes that interlink all the other root systems, will then be able to feed together as one giant root base. Of course a piece of fallen fruit covering an entire rainforest

may sound a bit extreme, yet as all things compose, the microbes have a job to break that down, absorb the available Nitrogen and Carbon. Think of it as a state of decomposition which is what is known as compost.

Honey Or Molasses?

You can also use honey as a rich source of carbs and the originality of it, can make a grower feel like they are really giving the plants back a natural source of organic goodness. Honey is great and you can even root clones using honey, yet there are advantages and disadvantages of using honey over molasses. Molasses are very rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium and many micro and macro minerals. In fact in the old days when a person was sick, a spoonful of molasses or a dissolved drinkable version would be given to

human body needs. Honey is very refined and is a natural antiseptic but unfortunately falls short in terms of mineral content, therefore if you need a source of cabs then a good honey will contain an equal amount of carbs as molasses without the added benefits.

Different Types Of Molasses

When raw sugar cane is pressed, the first press that is boiled to concentrate will contain the most amount of available sugar. This first press is known as cane syrup. Used in cooking for the sweetness, the look of the syrup will be a golden brown and close to the syrup used in the states for pancakes. The second type of molasses are known as Blackstrap molasses and this will be the one that is

HALF OF THE FINAL WEIGHT OF SUGAR BEET MOLASSES ARE ACTUAL SUGARS IN THE FORM OF SUCROSE, GLUCOSE AND FRUCTOSE perk the sick person up. As well as being used to feed horses, molasses have earnt a reputation for being a rich source of all the things the

commercially discussed amongst organic growers and forums. As the original sucrose from the original first press has been crystallized and

38 removed, what is left behind is a thick shiny dark syrup which is rich in vitamin B, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron and Potassium. This is the one that growers can find will benefit their gardens the most. The third type of molasses are made using sugar beet and this is the main ingredient in Bio Bizz Bio Grow. Half of the final weight of sugar beet molasses are actual sugars in the form of sucrose, glucose and fructose. The other half which is non sugar content is high in calcium, potassium, oxalate and chloride. There is another type of molasses which come with Sulphur. The original intention was to kill of mould and bacteria in order to increase the longevity of the shelf life. This does have a negative aspect and when using bacteria, molasses with sulphur in is not advised. Below is an analysis of a typical black strap molasses. Carbohydrates

74.73 g

Sugars

74.72 g

Dietary fiber

Fat

0.1 g

Protein

Vitamin Content Thiamine (B1)

(4%) 0.041 mg

Riboflavin (B2)

(0%) 0.002 mg

Niacin (B3)

(6%) 0.93 mg

Pantothenic acid (16%) 0.804 mg (B5) Vitamin B6

(52%) 0.67 mg

Choline

(3%) 13.3 mg

Microbe Tea: ȏ WDEOHVSRRQ RI EODFNVWUDS molasses ȏ $ VRXUFH RI EHQHILFLDO DHURELF bacteria ȏ $Q DLU SXPS WR DHUDWH WKH WHD ȏ $ VRXUFH RI ZDWHU ȏ KRXUV EUHZLQJ WLPH Vegging Microbe Tea: ȏ WDEOHVSRRQ RI EODFNVWUDS molasses ȏ $ VRXUFH RI EHQHILFLDO DHURELF bacteria ȏ 2UWHJD ([WUDFW ȏ )LVK 0L[ ȏ $ VRXUFH RI ZDWHU ȏ KRXUV EUHZLQJ WLPH

(21%) 205 mg

Iron

(36%) 4.72 mg

Magnesium

(68%) 242 mg

Manganese

(73%) 1.53 mg

Phosphorus

(4%) 31 mg

Potassium

(31%) 1464 mg

Sodium

(2%) 37 mg

Zinc

(3%

Organic Compost Tea

When making an microbe tea, organic compost tea or any tea for that matter, the whole point of the aeration in the water is to multiply your microbial count, from millions into billions. The oxygen will promote the aerobic bacteria to grow yet a food source to help that process is necessary. When making a organic compost tea for microbes or for a vegging and blooming super feed, you will need the following:

There is no reason to boycott your current favourite nutrient line or feel you have been paying for diluted molasses your whole growing career, however if you see sense in buying a source for yourself to administer with your feeding regime, then look no further than your local supermarkets and health stores.

As many of the original molasses products have remained the same for decades, the cost is cheap and there are many brands which will be sulphured or unsulphured. Good luck growing fat plants that will reward you big time if you keep those carbs coming. Peace Out!

Flowering Microbe Tea: ȏ WDEOHVSRRQ RI EODFNVWUDS molasses ȏ $ VRXUFH RI EHQHILFLDO DHURELF bacteria ȏ 3RZGHUHG EDW JXDQR ȏ )LVK PL[ ȏ $ VRXUFH RI ZDWHU ȏ KRXUV EUHZLQJ WLPH Feeding organic aerated compost tea will supercharge your medium and allow the microbial colony to be sky high. The more microbes present in the medium, then the more helpers the plant has to break down the carbon rich minerals and feed back to the plant in a way the plant is most comfortable with. Beneficial bacteria is often underrated but they are so clever in their design and can be the difference in a plant deficiency and the amount of converted nutrients available. These above are just a few examples that can be changed to a grower's preference.

Mineral Content Calcium

Finally..Where Can I Get Them?

The root zone is where all the work is being done

Aerated compost teas will increase aroma and the final taste of your buds

Mollasses are easy to find in super markets and health stores at very low prices

A good tip when working with molasses is to dissolve a thick teaspoon full into a glass of hot water to allow the syrup to become a shiny clear brown, before adding to the nutrient mix / microbe tea. Stir well and try to avoid any undissolved parts getting into air tubes and air stones.

One teaspoon will keep the microbes happy per tea

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REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM HOW TO REMOVE SCALE, TOXINS AND NUTRIENTS FROM TAP WATER

Drinking water supplied to urban dwellers normally has a nitrate value of 0.4 to 0.8 EC and this is a good output value to mix water with a nutrient solution for marijuana plants. However some people use their own water pumps to draw irrigation water with a nitrate level of up to 1.5 EC. You can add virtually no nutrients to water with this concentration to irrigate plants. If you do not have enough rainwater available to be used to dilute tap water, you will really be in trouble. However this should be no impediment to growers. Special systems are used to reduce the nitrate level of water to 0.6 EC (please note that a simple reverse osmosis system is not sufficient for a level of 1.5 EC.) These systems work like a normal reverse osmosis unit for aquariums but can be purchased from the sanitary area of a do-it-yourself store. Water is pressure-pumped into the system and channelled over a couple of membranes, through which pure water goes through, whereas water containing nitrate is dumped. Water is not 100% pure but less wastewater will be produced.

tion water, then it would be better for the plants to be fed with clean nitrate-free water generated by a reverse osmosis system. We thought about it and, for six months, we mixed irrigation water with nitrate-free water to water our plants. The output nitrate value was 0.6 EC. We could not find any difference in the plant growth and in the quality and quantity of the harvest. Plants do not necessarily need a good fertiliser and a small proportion of unusable nitrates do no harm. During the blooming season, instead, they need a specific fertiliser dose for them to absorb a large quantity of a good fertiliser. However they use it only partially as most of it remains in the substrate or is drained away. If water from the tap has a value of 0.4 to 0.8 EC, this is good enough and no better water is required. So you can avoid wasting four litres of water for each litre of pure water. As an exception, self-contained systems are also available that work without drainage and a fresh nutrient solution can always be refilled. With these systems, however, fertilisation should be carried out with the utmost care. Nitrates that cannot be assimilated by plants will accumulate and pollute the root system. In this situation you should probably use nitrate-free water to which a nutrient solution should be added. If you do not use nitrate-free water for

IF WATER FROM THE TAP HAS A VALUE OF 0.4 TO 0.8 EC, THIS IS GOOD ENOUGH AND NO BETTER WATER IS REQUIRED If nitrates in tap water are unsuitable for plants and you cannot add a sufficient quantity of cannabis fertiliser to irriga-

irrigation, you will indeed need it for air humidifiers. Limy water should be avoided for all types of humidifiers, includ-

This is a small reverse osmosis unit for aquariums available at a price of 115€, with a purification capacity of 70 litres of water per day. It suffices to fit it to a three-bar water supply system. The water passing beyond the membranes is dumped, and the water channelled through the membranes is collected.

ing ultrasonic humidifiers; otherwise lime scale will easily spoil them. You will notice a lime film on the surface of your humidifier if you are using water with a high lime concentration. Reverse osmosis systems should never get dry. If the system is not used, the inlet hoses should not deliver air to the membrane compartment but rather be bent upwards.

tank can be placed in a bathtub or close to a drain. Another option is purchasing a solenoid valve and a float ball switch from a do-it-yourself store. The float should be fitted with 4 wires (those with only three cables are designed to pump water out of tanks). The grower should check when the tank is full, as this will cause the solenoid valve to trip, which will shut down the reverse osmosis system.

Most of the time, the water tap of the reverse osmosis system is controlled manually, which frequently causes the water in the collecting tank to overflow. The

If the float switch remains suspended, it continues to convey current to the solenoid valve, which will continue supplying water to the reverse osmosis

This shows a water tank with a lid. The lid has a free corner to which the cable of the float is attached. If pressed a little downwards this cable will lift the lid. If the lid falls, the float switch will continue to convey electricity to the solenoid valve, and water will be supplied to the reverse osmosis system. In this case the cable for the purified water was simply extended, and water is automatically pushed into the tank. If the float fails to reach a vertical position, it will not stop supplying power to the solenoid valve and the tank will overflow.

system. The system will then be powered off, if the float ball is brought to a vertical position, and water will not flow out of the tank, which will remain full. In our experiment we used a soundproof water pump to supply purified water to a Mist&Cool humidifier and spray water onto plants during the blooming phase. By a time relay, the pump was set to run for 20 sec. followed by a 5-minute pause

to prevent the Mist&Cool to swamp the system. Later, a large ultrasonic humidifier was purchased to which water was supplied through the water tank installed above. This prevented the delicate membrane from being spoilt by lime scale and air was moistened even better than it was before (unfortunately ultrasonic humidifiers absorb more power than

This shows a solenoid valve, it must be connected to the float. The phase line is further connected through a lamp terminal to the solenoid valve, whereas the earth line is connected to the float. The earth line is connected to the brown cable of the float, and returns through the black cable. If water needs to be pumped out of the tanks, the earth should be connected to the blue cable, which will empty the tank – unfortunately this is not perfectly visible. The earth line is conveyed to the solenoid valve through the black cable of the solenoid valve.

Mist&Cool humidifiers do). In doing so, water was not deposited on the surface, but the aerosol fog was rather spread in the air. The desired air humidity can be freely selected through a hygrostat. For this reason ultrasonic humidifiers are better devices for air humidification, however they should be mounted in the direction of incoming air. Small compact units with a four-

litre tank could be hung at the same height as reflectors or above them. The advantage we found in this installation with a float and a solenoid valve is that you do not have to worry about anything. The tank with clean water is always full and the supply of water initially to the Mist&Cool and then to the ultrasonic humidifier is uninterrupted.

QUIZ

42 SOFT SECRETS GROW QUIZ

7) Beneficial bacteria will be found where when growing cannabis? A) B) C) D)

Inside the grow medium around the roots. Hidden in the leaves Inside the buds There is no such thing as beneficial bacteria

14) What ingredient in cannabis nutes is responsible for the thick, brownish siruplike look ? A) B) C) D)

Bat guano Mollases Soy beans It’s an old marketing trick, they add cheap honey

%\ 6WRQH\ 7DUN FFFS FS

1) Which of these strains is a Skunk cross? A) B) C) D)

Cheese Northern Lights Super Silver Haze Purple Orange

2) Why do feminized plants sometimes become hermaphrodites? A) B) C) D)

Due to bad genetics It just happens In plant life there are lady boys too As a result of stress

8) If suffering from inflammation, which of these cannabinoids w ould be best to use?

15) If you wanted to grow a plant with multiple tops, which of these should you do?

A) B) C) D)

A) Add support cane so it grows as tall as possible B) Pinch the plants out in veg C) Pinch plants out late in flowering D) Buy a clone that is already bushy

CBN THC CBD THCVA

9. When a plant's roots are root bound, what does that mean? A) The roots have grown into all the space in the pot and needs transplanting B) The plant is ready to be flowered C) The plant can be left in the same pot D) Never heard of it!

3) Coco is made from what material?

10) When a plant has been ‘lolly popped’, what does this mean?

A) B) C) D)

Peat Moss Coconut Husks Hemp Recycled Plastic

The stem was broken It has been topped It has been harvested The lower section has been cleared

16) E.C.S.D stands for what? A) B) C) D)

East Coast Sour Diesel East Californian Sour Diesel East Colorado Sour Dub Extreme Crop Sour Diesel

17) Royal AK from Royal Queen Seeds is which automatic version of the original? A) B) C) D)

Jack 47 Cinderella 99 Apollo 13 AK47

18) Molasses are made when which of the following is pressed? 4) Snails And Slugs have a bad reaction to which of these metals? A) B) C) D)

Gold Silver Copper Steel

5) Where does the word Hashashin originate from? A) B) C) D)

Soft Secrets made it up They were assassins from the Arab world The word is used in Dutch coffee shops It means ‘Hash as in’

6) Cannabis plants take in water best at a temperature of..? A) B) C) D)

29 degrees Celsius 15 degrees Celsius 10 degrees Celsius 21 degrees Celsius

11) Molasses are very beneficial to add to the grow medium because ? A) They are full of minerals and carbon for microbes B) They are sky high in Nitrogen C) You do not need to feed other nutrients D) Molasses are an urban myth

12) It is advised to add a 50/50 ratio of coco with which of these? A) B) C) D)

Sand Perlite Vermiculite Soil

13) Which of these strains is famous for the fruity aroma and huge harvest? A) B) C) D)

Sour Diesel White Widow Critical Super Silver Haze

A) B) C) D)

Olive oil Sugar Cane Soy Beans Fish Oil

19) Who won the main prize in the Highlife Cup 2017 (sponsored by Soft Secrets)? A) B) C) D)

Master Kush from Dutch Passion Mako Haze from Kiwi Seeds Dirty Rotten Shiite Skunk from Sick Fuck Seeds Purple Mist from Prana Medical Seeds

20) Which of the following do microbes and bacteria need to turn from millions to billions? A) B) C) D)

Rain Water Stagnant water Oxygen and Carbs Alcohol

That’s it, lads! Clueless? See page 46 for the answers

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FXOWLYDWLRQ RI IUXLW ñRZHUV YHJHWDEOHV DQG KRXVH SODQWV &RFROLWHV KDYH D KLJK FDSDFLW\ IRU DLU WR HQVXUH ODUJH R[\JHQ VXSSO\ DW WKH URRWV DQG DQ LGHDO ZDWHU distribution to promote water absorption by the roots. The Cocolite-11 is perfect for manual watering and the Cocolite-22 is perfect for automatic breeding methods.

B U S I N E S S .W I L M A S L A W N A N D G A R D E N . C O M / E N

OPINION

THE POWER OF WISHFUL THINKING Some sort of reform around the law regarding weed creeps (and I do mean creeps) ever closer in Scotland; I was at a fairly select and closed meeting a couple of weeks ago where the whole matter was at the heart of a quite heated debate. The interesting thing here is that those in the prolegalisation camp continue to up the ante in terms of what they bring to the table, which is to say a considerable ( and ever increasing) amount of credible and verifiable evidence, resulting from credible and verifiable studies conducted by medical, psychological, legal, economic and criminology researchers.

outright hostility. Really, it's like trying to debate the existence of the dinosaurs with a creationist. And so we have to listen patiently as a litany of half truths and non truths are trotted out yet again. In those places where weed is legal, they say...crime has gone up...lost work days have gone up, along with the number of accidents at work...the number of kids using has gone up (Note: none of this can be verified because none of it is true).

The anti-legalisation camp, on the other hand, continue to basically flounder about, rehashing a combination of the old and nonsensical myths with some new and unlikely ones (of which more in a minute).

As the above fairy tales aren't working, they trot out..."cannabis related psychosis in the UK has shot up". As far as this goes, on paper it certainly looks as if there might be a case to answer. However, one does wonder whether synthetic cannabis plays a role in all of this as, after all, it's known that use of these can result in acute psychotic episodes in some people.

The thing that simultaneously interests, amuses, perplexes and bothers me is the fact that there is little or no onus put on the anti-legalisers by the government to produce anything even remotely resembling proof of their claims (which is just as well for them really, as there isn't any actual evidence). Instead, the pro-legalisers are expected to present air tight evidence - something they do - in order to have it treated with scepticism or

Where "real" weed is actually implicated (and it's far from clear how often this is actually the case), it could be suggested that this is due to a misguided attempt on the part of some producers to push the THC levels as high as they can, under the misconception that this is what "the buyer" wants. While it's probably correct that some buyers do indeed want this, in an illegal marketplace, the concept of "a buyers' market"

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is bogus. Most of the time buyers - and this probably applies even more so to kids - will just take whatever's available. Only legalisation will provide users with a proper choice. It all seems to boil down to the fact that those antilegalisers not in some way affiliated to the pharmaceutical or alcohol industries just don't like the idea of people being able to alter their own consciousness. That's one of the things about the Drug Laws (and we could include laws around anything on the pro-choice spectrum here): they allow a particular type of person intolerant, bigoted - a platform to spout their nonsense. Why should they care if people want to get stoned? Thing is, they do seem to feel really strongly about these sorts of thing for no good reason that I can see. And that is because there is no evidence at all to back up their arguments. Hell, there isn't even a logical or coherent argument. They don't like it and so nobody should legally be permitted to do it (whatever "it" is). It's just wishful thinking, but unfortunately it seems to work better than hard evidence. This is not the 17th century, and one hopes that the day when evidence and reality take the reins from claptrap is around the corner. Amen. Dr John Dee

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GROW WITH STONEY TARK

LADYBIRDS VS SPIDER MITES MOTHER NATURE’S HELPERS

There is a culture of organic growers who go out of their way to stay chemical free and any alternative is much preferred. When dealing with spider mites, this can sometimes seem the easiest option especially if you are commercially growing and cannot afford to lose your crop. This article will alert you of the predator that will deal with those unwanted pests and keep your garden under maximum security at microscopic levels. Spider Mites And How To Spot Them

There is nothing worse than discovering your beautiful plants are now home to a group of breeding spider mites. Sometimes an inexperienced grower can find out the hard way when spider webs appear almost overnight, as the little prehistoric shelled nefarious mites show themselves. You should be in the practice of touching your plants on a regular basis and noticing daily any changes in performance, leaf structure, leaf damage and any other indication there is something wrong at a deeper level. There will be damage to the leaf area as the spider mites literally suck out the flesh part of the leaf, leaving behind a yellow scar. Naturally these

ninja insects are actually trained killers with some serious appetite. These mysterious little friendly bugs have many connections over history and the world, with some European beliefs ranging from lady birds being sent by Virgin Mary during times of plagues , to old Switzerland who have a superstition that babies were brought by lady bugs, whilst in Austria you would ask a lady bug for good weather. Depending where in the world you are ladybirds, lady beetles or ladybird bugs, these proponents will take on a range of over 10 soft bodied insects as well as aphids, spider mites, bee-

BASICALLY ANYTHING WITH THE NAME LADY IS ACTUALLY A CRUEL MISTRESS THAT WILL FEED ON THE UNWANTED INSECTS, AS WELL AS FEEDING ON POLLEN are not so easy to notice and discovering them too late can be fatal. Other insects and unwanted bugs will leave a mark on the leaf surface where they attacked the leaf, yet understanding the difference between thrip damage and spider mite damage is very important. Spider mites can be transported by clones, dirty clothing, ventilation systems and from pets. 99% of growers who have spider mites were unfortunate enough to get contaminated clones, yet the practice of overalls and sterile clean clothes is a great way to keep any opportunities to enter the grow room limited.

Ladybird Assassins

As children we always saw ladybirds as a friendly cartoon character that has no intimidating aspects at all. The slow round shelled insects are rarely seen throughout the year. They are easy to spot and can be identified by a dark red shining shell that has usually 3 dots on each wing. Despite their soft look and their feminine name, these

tle and moth larvae. Basically anything with the name Lady is actually a cruel mistress that will feed on the unwanted insects, as well as feeding on pollen. So these happy helpers will not only clean up around 100 spider mites per day, they will also stay close to any male plants you have protecting those as well for those high pressure breeding projects.

Sourcing Ladybirds Outdoors And Online

If you are relying on a natural source of ladybirds to freely enter the garden, then you need to think of heavy pollinating species in order to keep up with their appetite for pollen. Plants that can be added to your cannabis plants are sunflowers, passion fruit and chamomile. Not only with these plants deter other unwanted insects like white fly, they are great cannabis com-

panion and will help camouflage those beautiful ladies even more. Depending on where you live, gathering a colony of lady birds fast enough to protect your spider mite invasion could be an anxious and helpless time. An alternative is to go online and have a tub full sent by reliable breeders who pro-

of the leaf are well sprayed. The benefit of neem oil which originates from a tree which repels insects is that the spider mites will become discouraged by the constant spraying of a potent smelling insect repellent. A good tip is to make sure the diluted mix is very fine and will not coat the leaf with such a texture, it has a negative impact on the plants. Other natural alternatives are Chervil, Basil, Mint:, Chamomile, Coriander and Marigold plants, as all these plants contain terpenes that spider mites, whitefly, thrips, and the general pest try hard to avoid as well as helping blend in your canopy with the companion pants. Good Luck discovering how good at cleaning up your garden these under-

duce nothing but hungry lady bird predators..

Other Natural Alternatives For Spider Mites And Other Bugs

Using neem oil can be a brilliant deterrent especially when correctly diluted with soapy water. When applying ensure that the top and under parts

rated lady birds really are.

Peace Out!

46 TRUE OR FALSE?

17. 18. 19. 20.

potent landrace discovered in Russia. Growing with hydroponics can increase yields by 300% - 400%. Rockwool is packed full of nutrients and vitamins. Sativa strains will be high in THC and the effects are racey and cerebral. CBD oil has an anti inflammatory effect when taken.

ANSWERS: True False False True True False True False True True

Clones cannot root unless rooting hormone is applied to the cut. 5. Dried cannabis buds should break with ease and with a clear audible snap. 6. When flowering cannabis, room humidity should be in the high 70’s. 7. The word ‘ scrog ‘ means to use a screen for the canopy. 8. L.S.T stands for ‘ Light String Technique ‘. 9. The weight of the harvested wet buds will be the same weight when they are dry. 10. CBD will get you very high and very quickly. 11. Feminised seeds will produce only female plants in the grow room. 12. Jack Herrer is the name of an island where a famous strain grew.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

13. Skunk No 1 has a flowering time of 77 days. 14. Regular seeds are made when a male plant pollinates a female plant. 15. Dry Sift is what is used and pressed to make Moroccan hashish. 16. The strain White Russian was a

False True True False True False True False False False

Indica cannabis plants grow tall and lanky and stretch a lot when flowering. Plants need Phosphorus and Potassium when producing buds. Flushing plants helps improve the flavour and smoothness of the final buds.

By Stoney Tark

ANSWERS TO THE QUIZ AT PAGE 42 : 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10)

A D B C B D A C A D

11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) 18) 19) 20)

A B C B B A D B A C

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Index of ads Name

Page

Advanced Seeds

Hy-pro

Amsterdam Seed Center

Jorge Cervantes

Atami

Juicy Joint the

Barney's Farm

Kannabia Seeds

Bud Season

Kosmic Kitchen

Canapa in Mostra

London Seed Centre

Cannafest

Mycologics

Dinafem Seeds

NPK Technology

Dinafem Seeds

Paradise Seeds

Dutch Passion

Paradise Seeds

Ed Rosenthal

Procare

Exotic Seed

Royal Queen Seeds

Expogrow

Stanford Hydroponics

Gea Seeds

Sweet Seeds

Gizeh

Sweet Seeds

Hesi

UK Personal Cannabis Cup

Humboldt Seed Organization

Wilma's Lawn & Garden

Hunter's Coffeeshop

Colofon Soft Secrets is published by Discover Publisher BV P.O.Box 362, 5460 AJ, Veghel, Netherlands Telephone: +31-(0)73-5498112 E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl Web: www.softsecrets.com Editor: Cliff Cremer Contributors: Ed Rosenthal, Jorge Cervantes, Dr. John Dee, Stoney Tark, Mr. Jose, Hugo Madera, Mr. Jose, Robert B., cccp and others Comics: Jim Stewart Editorial adress: readers@softsecrets.nl Advertisements: E-mail: info@softsecrets.nl A word from the publisher: Soft Secrets is published in: The Netherlands (Highlife), Germany, France, Italy, Spain, UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Chile and Argentina. The UK government has embarked on a process of relative liberalisation towards the use of cannabis, and cannabis activists are engaged in broadening this engagement. Several local councils and police chiefs now actively support a Dutch-style coffeeshop system as a way of separating soft and hard drugs, as it has proven to do in Holland. Whether they are finding their way to new coffeeshops or growing for their personal supply, cannabis users are a menace to no one, and are causing no discernable social problem.

Some politicians and commentators are calling for the outright legalisation of marihuana. Let’s wait and see how the debate develops during a period of relative peace between all sides of the argument. In the meantime, the publisher hopes Soft Secrets will show the public a positive side to the normalisation of cannabis use, and is anxious to offer a forum to both pro- and anti-legalisation advocates. This assumes that the publisher does not necessarily agree with everything that appears in articles and advertisements. The publisher therefore distances himself explicitly from published statements or images that might give the impression that an endorsement is being made for the use or production of cannabis. Nothing from this publication may be copied or reproduced in any format without prior permission from the publisher and other copyright holders. The publisher is not responsible for the content and/or point of view of advertisements. The editors take no responsibility for unsolicited submissions. The publisher has endeavored to reach all copyright holders of photos and/or images. Those who still believe they are entitled to these rights may contact the publisher.

Next issue out: October 13, 2017

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