Summary of "2024 Spannabis Winning Cultivator on How To Handwater with Athena"

Main Ideas and Concepts

Cultivation Methodology
The speaker is an experienced cultivator who grows cannabis using a hands-on approach, emphasizing the importance of daily nutrient mixing and hand feeding. The cultivation medium used is 100% cocoa in 5-gallon pots.
nutrient mixing and Feeding
The speaker hand mixes nutrients daily instead of using automated systems, believing that fresh nutrients are better for plant health. A dripper system is in place, but the speaker prefers to hand water to maintain close observation of plant health.
Watering Techniques
The speaker employs a dryback technique, starting with less water and gradually increasing it as the plants mature. During the initial weeks, they provide around 50-100 gallons of water, increasing to about 150 gallons as the plants enter the flowering stage.
Runoff Monitoring
Regular runoff tests (EC and pH) are critical for assessing plant health and making necessary adjustments. The speaker maintains specific EC and pH ranges throughout the growth cycle, emphasizing the importance of runoff for determining nutrient uptake.
pH and EC management
The speaker prefers a slightly higher pH (6.2 to 6.4) to enhance nutrient absorption, particularly for boron and magnesium. They discuss the acceptable EC levels, noting that they have tested higher levels without adverse effects when adequate runoff is provided.
Simple and Effective Practices
The speaker advocates for a straightforward approach to cultivation, focusing on fundamental practices rather than complex techniques. They emphasize the importance of observing plants and making timely adjustments based on runoff data.

Methodology and Instructions

Daily nutrient mixing
- Mix nutrients daily for freshness.
- Hand feed plants instead of relying on automated systems.
Watering Schedule
- Start with 50-100 gallons of water for initial weeks.
- Increase to 150 gallons during flowering, adjusting based on plant feedback.
runoff testing
- Conduct daily runoff tests to monitor EC and pH levels.
- Maintain EC between 4.0 and 6.5; adjust based on runoff readings.
pH adjustment
- Adjust pH if runoff levels are outside the desired range (aim for 6.2-6.4).
- Make adjustments based on daily runoff tests to optimize nutrient uptake.
Final Weeks of Flowering
- Gradually decrease EC levels towards the end of the flowering stage.
- Aim for a final runoff EC around 1.0 to 0.5.