Zen Garden 2025

[Zen_seeker]

20250705:

Sons trimming his final plant. No seeds or hermies on this one. Fugly had a lot. I’ll cover that when I do the final weighing post.

Less than half to go.

Going to be a hot day with no rain until next week. All the plants on the front landing are doing great. Garden is starting to take off too, finally.

Looking forward to a good July/August.

Transplanted a few yesterday and need to plant two sunflowers into the garden this weekend.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250706: GDP Autos Day 33

And then there were three…

Unfortunately one’s a male. Plucked him and checked him over. Healthy and stood up against strong winds which is surprising considering the shallow root.



Wasn’t happy with the roots. Very shallow. I believe the original issue was the seedling coiling the tap root in the germinator. It looped around a few times before I was able to plant it.

Ha well. Still have three probable females and a bunch of good soil to reuse for the others. At least I don’t have to worry about salts.

 

[GoodShit97]

Wasn’t happy with the roots. Very shallow. I believe the original issue was the seedling coiling the tap root in the germinator. It looped around a few times before I was able to plant it.

Imo the soil was too wet so it never reached out looking for water.
I've had tap roots that looked like a corkscrew and they did fine.
Hard telling tho, autos are so finicky

 

[Zen_seeker]

Imo the soil was too wet so it never reached out looking for water.
I've had tap roots that looked like a corkscrew and they did fine.
Hard telling tho, autos are so finicky

I always check the roots after I chop. We’ll see how the others are. I might have to plant as soon as popped.

Good candidates for the VG too!

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250708: Test and jar day


Including my plant we got about. 12-12.5 ounces.

Fugly had/has a lot of seeds from hermies.

We jarred each plant separately and let it cure a bit before weighing and dividing.

I didn’t bother taking a pic of all the weed, just one of each plants buds. It was 66g+74g+112g+?. Then my plants 3oz.

If not for Fuglys seeds it would have been a good run. He’s learned a few things, one of which is he needs to switch to day shifts before he tries again.

 

[Pipecarver]

20250708: Test and jar day


Including my plant we got about. 12-12.5 ounces.

Fugly had/has a lot of seeds from hermies.View attachment 107746

We jarred each plant separately and let it cure a bit before weighing and dividing. View attachment 107747View attachment 107748

I didn’t bother taking a pic of all the weed, just one of each plants buds. It was 66g+74g+112g+?. Then my plants 3oz.

If not for Fuglys seeds it would have been a good run. He’s learned a few things, one of which is he needs to switch to day shifts before he tries again.

Hey, all done ready for your next batch to flower, nice. I've lost interest in mine with them all seeded, I'll feed and maintain but I'm not looking at them any more as punishment, fkem. week 6 I should be so proud..lol..fk it pisses me off.

We're off to Vegas in a month and I was wondering how to smoke down there, Rolling papers scissors, smell. legal to smoke in your residence but that leaves tourist out. They say its everywhere not to worry but still. I bought a vape last night, first one ever a disposable Kolab White Grape Liquid Diamond small pocket inhaler and Wow, expensive as fk down here at $57 taxes in but Wow, a nice hit with a perfumy taste and smell. I just googled and Ontario has same thing for $39+ mfkers here make a killing at the legal shops. Now I know, I was missing something, Its not a question any longer.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hey, all done ready for your next batch to flower, nice.

I’m going to do my next grow around September. Son will see about trying again next summer. He’s doing the 9pm-5am shift these days. Doesn’t give him a lot of free time.

I had one of the Autos turn out to be male but there’s a good chance the remaining three are female. Just wish they would bulk up now. I’d like to see a little bush IYKWIM.

I've lost interest in mine with them all seeded, I'll feed and maintain but I'm not looking at them any more as punishment, fkem. week 6 I should be so proud..lol..fk it pisses me off.

I’d noticed you hadn’t posted much and nothing about your plants in a bit. I get it. Betrayal.

We're off to Vegas in a month and I was wondering how to smoke down there, Rolling papers scissors, smell. legal to smoke in your residence but that leaves tourist out. They say its everywhere not to worry but still.

I error on the side of caution. (Only four plants.) So I get it. Besides, you’re on a holiday. Try new stuff.

I bought a vape last night, first one ever a disposable Kolab White Grape Liquid Diamond small pocket inhaler and Wow, expensive as fk down here at $57 taxes in but Wow, a nice hit with a perfumy taste and smell. I just googled and Ontario has same thing for $39+ mfkers here make a killing at the legal shops. Now I know, I was missing something, Its not a question any longer.

Watch out for the vapes. My son got into them for a short time. My wife loved it but I found them too perfumey. Sometimes a chemical after taste.

G$ warned us off getting them. Unless you know and trust the brand be careful. My son looked into them more and stopped buying. You should be fine for a trip though.

I’m waiting to hear you’re working in the shop again. Pens or pipes. Not sure if you can yet after building the walled off room for the e-bike. Don’t need sawdust all over your buds.

Looking forward to your Vegas pics. Wife’s been a few times. Last one was only a few years ago with some work people. It’s not my thing. Money is to hard to come by just to risk it on a game of chance.

 

[Pipecarver]

I’m going to do my next grow around September. Son will see about trying again next summer. He’s doing the 9pm-5am shift these days. Doesn’t give him a lot of free time.

I had one of the Autos turn out to be male but there’s a good chance the remaining three are female. Just wish they would bulk up now. I’d like to see a little bush IYKWIM.


I’d noticed you hadn’t posted much and nothing about your plants in a bit. I get it. Betrayal.


I error on the side of caution. (Only four plants.) So I get it. Besides, you’re on a holiday. Try new stuff.


Watch out for the vapes. My son got into them for a short time. My wife loved it but I found them too perfumey. Sometimes a chemical after taste.

G$ warned us off getting them. Unless you know and trust the brand be careful. My son looked into them more and stopped buying. You should be fine for a trip though.

I’m waiting to hear you’re working in the shop again. Pens or pipes. Not sure if you can yet after building the walled off room for the e-bike. Don’t need sawdust all over your buds.

Looking forward to your Vegas pics. Wife’s been a few times. Last one was only a few years ago with some work people. It’s not my thing. Money is to hard to come by just to risk it on a game of chance.

We're low rollers 2 of us at 1 machine taking turns, if you win you spin again lose its my turn $1-$1.50 is max bet unless winning then we flop between a higher bet an the lower bet. The last jackpot we hit we were swapping between $1.50 & $3.00 max bet because we were up $200.00 and we hit on the $3.00 bet, got into a bonus and Bam $1112.72, then I moved away while she collected and hit another $200 and we bolted for the door...lol....Keg here we come.

 

[Zen_seeker]

We're low rollers 2 of us at 1 machine taking turns, if you win you spin again lose its my turn $1-$1.50 is max bet unless winning then we flop between a higher bet an the lower bet. The last jackpot we hit we were swapping between $1.50 & $3.00 max bet because we were up $200.00 and we hit on the $3.00 bet, got into a bonus and Bam $1112.72, then I moved away while she collected and hit another $200 and we bolted for the door...lol....Keg here we come.

I hope you have a great time. Take a few pics you can share.

If you get low on smoke let me know. I can send you an ounce.

 

[Pipecarver]

I hope you have a great time. Take a few pics you can share.

If you get low on smoke let me know. I can send you an ounce.

Picture taking might be an issue, I'm not thinking of packing my big camera, although I probably should. No baggage allowance, all carry on so 1 small bag only and a personal item. I need my cpap machine, wife needs her purse. I have an old small one that is iffy at best then there's the cell phone I bought last year but it takes crappy shots......BUT.....you're not the first to say that I should take pics. I'll have to think on it, we will have a car so...ya. I might have to take it.

I'm trying to figure out what hotel I want down in Laughlin. I even booked Harrah's last night but after booking I noticed I only booked 1 night. You'd think that should be an easy fix. I called and spoke to reception, they looked up my reservation and after about 5 min came back and said unfortunately the room rate has gone up so instead of the $77/ night I'd booked at it will be $85 for night 2....say what it was 5 minutes ago? she says hold sir, 5 min later... shes says your welcome to cancel at no charge for the night you booked. I said I just want the room posted on your web site in front of my eyes that says its 77 for Monday and 77 for Tuesday. You are welcome too book on line sir.......Okay fk it cancel it all can you do that..... Hold on sir....5 min later...we've cancelled your reservation...sir thanks for considering Harrah's for your stay.....WTF.....lol.....Aquarius here we come....maybe...lol

I mean it was only $8 more dollars but Harrah's is out

 

[Zen_seeker]

Picture taking might be an issue, I'm not thinking of packing my big camera, although I probably should. No baggage allowance, all carry on so 1 small bag only and a personal item. I need my cpap machine, wife needs her purse. I have an old small one that is iffy at best then there's the cell phone I bought last year but it takes crappy shots......BUT.....you're not the first to say that I should take pics. I'll have to think on it, we will have a car so...ya. I might have to take it.

Phone pics are fine. Don’t go to any trouble. I’ve never been but thought the wife might like to live vicariously through your trip. Lol

I'm trying to figure out what hotel I want down in Laughlin. I even booked Harrah's last night but after booking I noticed I only booked 1 night. You'd think that should be an easy fix. I called and spoke to reception, they looked up my reservation and after about 5 min came back and said unfortunately the room rate has gone up so instead of the $77/ night I'd booked at it will be $85 for night 2....say what it was 5 minutes ago? she says hold sir, 5 min later... shes says your welcome to cancel at no charge for the night you booked. I said I just want the room posted on your web site in front of my eyes that says its 77 for Monday and 77 for Tuesday. You are welcome too book on line sir.......Okay fk it cancel it all can you do that..... Hold on sir....5 min later...we've cancelled your reservation...sir thanks for considering Harrah's for your stay.....WTF.....lol.....Aquarius here we come....maybe...lol

I mean it was only $8 more dollars but Harrah's is out

I get pissed off with shit like that too. Canceled more that a few things because of it. Some with later regrets.

Hope it works out. Sounds like a good time.

 

[Pipecarver]

Phone pics are fine. Don’t go to any trouble. I’ve never been but thought the wife might like to live vicariously through your trip. Lol


I get pissed off with shit like that too. Canceled more that a few things because of it. Some with later regrets.

Hope it works out. Sounds like a good time.

Hey, Since my crop failure I can't stop thinking of our trip so bare with me. Car rentals are a scam, I've been looking at companies at the airport and what they have to offer. Today Sixty kept linking me to Sixty . ca $54, Cdn /day, smallest compact...When I get to the Sixt . com site I get $22 Usd over same time frame. If I book ahead for our dates the daily rate is $44 Usd if I book for tomorrow its $22 Usd.

If you saw my post to Bandit you can see I can get a hot looking Mustang for $25 tomorrow but $92 if I book in advance. Alamo did that the last time we went down and I got a convert Mustang for about $150/week that started at $300 for a compact booking in advance.

If I can get a Mustang...standard too...lol...(I'm giddy thinking on it) for $100 over 4 days then wtf that's cheaper than taking a cab everywhere. Its 1.5 hrs down a long straight flat highway to Laughlin, Cruising speeds should be around 80- 90mph. They were the last time, Much better to do in a newer Mustang than a newer compact.It just means I have to be sober coming off the plane after a long days travel. Tricky but not impossible. Drinking seems to make flying shorter.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250711: GDP Autos

And then there were two…

All have shown their sex now. Unfortunately one more was male. So we have two females remaining.


And the remaining ladies.

Busy day, out all morning picking up stuff and returning an Amazon purchase. Got 75% of what I wanted. The 12-28x1” bolts should be in by Tuesday.

Still need to get Xtreme Azos and Mykos. But I’m looking to make my own Azos using Stonemasons jms method. I’ll just keep a tote of forest soil in the basement or garage for when I need it. Make spray or use the soil directly once it’s ready.

 

[Pipecarver]

Wow that Azos ain't cheap. I use the Myco's but I just amazoned Azos and ouch. It must be tiny robots that massage and tickle the roots so they get all excited and grow. Tiny robots ain't cheap

 

[Zen_seeker]

Wow that Azos ain't cheap. I use the Myco's but I just amazoned Azos and ouch. It must be tiny robots that massage and tickle the roots so they get all excited and grow. Tiny robots ain't cheap View attachment 107910

My store had both cheaper than online but now she said they are OOS. Online says otherwise but whatever. They stopped advertising the Azos, no stock anywhere and issues. So not sure if they will get it back but I’ll try Stonemasons version. Just means a dog walk in the woods an hour away. Willow will enjoy it.

Still using your acid/ph down trick for the soft pots. Love it. Saves me a few days of on/off washing and hot water. Major time saver and does a better job!

 

[Zen_seeker]

The Photontek cable finally came it. Up to $25 out the door but I e got it now!

Hooking it up when we clean the tent this weekend. Son wanted to wait until the cable came in so it’s a one and done job.

 

[Pipecarver]

My store had both cheaper than online but now she said they are OOS. Online says otherwise but whatever. They stopped advertising the Azos, no stock anywhere and issues. So not sure if they will get it back but I’ll try Stonemasons version. Just means a dog walk in the woods an hour away. Willow will enjoy it.

Still using your acid/ph down trick for the soft pots. Love it. Saves me a few days of on/off washing and hot water. Major time saver and does a better job!

I was just surfing shit to do in Laughlin other than gamble, Jet ski rentals on the river sounds like fun....until I check out the price.....Usd, gambling cheaper...lol...$$$$

 

[Zen_seeker]

I was just surfing shit to do in Laughlin other than gamble, Jet ski rentals on the river sounds like fun....until I check out the price.....Usd, gambling cheaper...lol...$$$$View attachment 107916

They also have gun ranges I hear. You can try things like 50cal and other uncommon firearms. I’m more into exploring and trying new things. Wife is the gambler. But we both enjoy a good meal especially when it’s surf & turf.

 

[Pipecarver]

They also have gun ranges I hear. You can try things like 50cal and other uncommon firearms. I’m more into exploring and trying new things. Wife is the gambler. But we both enjoy a good meal especially when it’s surf & turf.

Oh yes I've been looking at them. I just clicked to get the link and it says its now closed????? maybe some issues with their tanks, about $3750 you can shoot a tank or.......Most are out of my price range but I'd be all over shooting a Desert Eagle or 45 Magnum.....something that goes BOOM when shooting...lol

 

[Zen_seeker]

Oh yes I've been looking at them. I just clicked to get the link and it says its now closed????? maybe some issues with their tanks, about $3750 you can shoot a tank or.......Most are out of my price range but I'd be all over shooting a Desert Eagle or 45 Magnum.....something that goes BOOM when shooting...lolView attachment 108064

If you’re not used to firing large handguns be ready. They will kick. More than one person has had a head wound from it. Two hands, no gangster crap.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Looks like the ACI 69 Pro controller will work out fine with my SQ300W Pro Photontek. It’s only 10% increments but that’s a huge change from the manual dial doing 25% increments. Plus I can schedule on/off times so can repurpose the mechanical timer after testing.

Hard to find R12 adapter cable.


Off, on, and schedule settings.


Looking forward to testing it out this fall/winter.

Thanks again to @OLDCRO for donating his old controller! I wish him luck on his AI controlled grow and can’t wait to see how that goes.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Over the last two weeks we’ve had 3-5 minutes of rain. Just enough to bump the humidity back up to gross. Last Wednesday.

I have two sunflowers I want to plant into the lower garden but 30*+ weather and no rain seems a bad time to do it. Just waiting for a couple of back to back normal days.

Wife’s coworker gave her some vegetable seeds for us to try. She gets them free from the store when they toss the leftovers at the end of season.

 

[Pipecarver]

If you’re not used to firing large handguns be ready. They will kick. More than one person has had a head wound from it. Two hands, no gangster crap.

I've seen the video's I might need body armor, definitely head gear. The place is right behind Circus Circus off the strip. Banner says closed now, it was open 24hr/day. I'm not sure they'd let a first timer shoot or even handle a big gun like those, I think they'd point me to a 22 and say this is more your style....lol.....but No I want the guns that go BOOM and everyone's head turns, not some little pop pop. I'd do better out in the desert with one of them...... BOOM....lol 5 shots $35

 

[Zen_seeker]

I've seen the video's I might need body armor, definitely head gear. The place is right behind Circus Circus off the strip. Banner says closed now, it was open 24hr/day. I'm not sure they'd let a first timer shoot or even handle a big gun like those, I think they'd point me to a 22 and say this is more your style....lol.....but No I want the guns that go BOOM and everyone's head turns, not some little pop pop. I'd do better out in the desert with one of them...... BOOM....lol 5 shots $35

I’d pay $35 to unload a Desert Eagle the fun way. It’s a 7-8 round 1911 style?

In other countries I had buddies try RPGs and grenades. My accountant drove a tank once as part of a thank you for a large donation once.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250714: GDP Autos

Still at two remaining and they are doing okay. Not going to top or screw with them. I’ve been warned that autos can be bitchy and unpredictable.







So… with only two plants left here’s hoping I get 4oz off each.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Other plant stuff.








Rabbit eats these ones we’re learning to make hasenpfeffer.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Girls about to start their day.

Gardens


Cucumbers




Sugar Baby Watermelon


Peppers


Tomatoes


Teddy Bear Sunflower


Mammoth & TB Sunflowers
Transplanted Monday


It’s a start anyway.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250722: GDP Autos Day 49

They aren’t very tall or bushy yet but they have been in flower for about two weeks.

I have top dressed with worm castings, 4:4:4, 2:8:4, Mykos, Azos, and Azomite. Usually it was just the castings and 4:4:4.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Garden stuff

 

[Zen_seeker]

Some of the current flowers in bloom.

 

[Zen_seeker]

20250723: GDP Autos Day 50

The last few days have been great. 25*-28* highs and 50% or less humidity outside.

We were able to catch up on a lot of outside chores without passing out from heat stroke.

The Yellowjackets I thought we had turned out to be hornets. Little bigger, little meaner. Still waiting for a good night rain so I can knock it down. Was supposed to happen today but now that’s bumped to Thursday night.
We have the top left, bald faced hornet.

Putting the plants back on the landing after 9pm.



Back out and watered this morning.

If these take about 90 days we’re past the halfway point now.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Son picked up two of these. One for his printer and one for his future resin printer.

I grabbed two for the tents. About time I saw what my efforts cost each grow.


I hope they retain the info in case of power outage. Rarely happens unless summer peak hours. I like how it will calculate the cost if you enter the price per kWh.

 

[Chemistry]

Hornets are mean, they will chase you a mile before they give up.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hornets are mean, they will chase you a mile before they give up.

Been years since I had to remove one but I remember it being a mixed bag. I’m waiting for the rain storm. It just keeps getting pushed back. Tonight or tomorrow seems to be when it’s coming now.

Surprisingly they haven’t been a nuisance. My plants get moved beside the bush every afternoon, following the sun, and other than flying into me once in a while we’ve had no issues.


The last three nests have been Yellowjackets/paper wasps. Less aggressive but still a pita.

 

[Bandit420]

Son picked up two of these. One for his printer and one for his future resin printer.

I grabbed two for the tents. About time I saw what my efforts cost each grow.
View attachment 108971

I hope they retain the info in case of power outage. Rarely happens unless summer peak hours. I like how it will calculate the cost if you enter the price per kWh.

I use my Kill-a-watt often along with a PAR meter to dial in grow lights. Used it in my audits and dropped about $200/month spending in Summer months.
They tell me the info light manufacturers conveniently omit from spec sheets or lie about too. They pretty much blew the lid off junk China made lights...the kind that claim 1000watts and were really only like around 200. Light companies are a lot more honest now for it.

Bees huh? I thump the Peas in my truck when I think about bees

 

[Pipecarver]

Been years since I had to remove one but I remember it being a mixed bag. I’m waiting for the rain storm. It just keeps getting pushed back. Tonight or tomorrow seems to be when it’s coming now.

Surprisingly they haven’t been a nuisance. My plants get moved beside the bush every afternoon, following the sun, and other than flying into me once in a while we’ve had no issues.
View attachment 109039

The last three nests have been Yellowjackets/paper wasps. Less aggressive but still a pita.

Hey, the best way I've seen to remove nests like that was with a wet vac and RAID, attach the wet vac hose near the opening to the nest through the day and at night when they are coming back in turn it on after they stop coming for the night spray the raid in the hose. Same next 2 nights, then no more wasps

 

[Zen_seeker]

I use my Kill-a-watt often along with a PAR meter to dial in grow lights. Used it in my audits and dropped about $200/month spending in Summer months.
They tell me the info light manufacturers conveniently omit from spec sheets or lie about too. They pretty much blew the lid off junk China made lights...the kind that claim 1000watts and were really only like around 200. Light companies are a lot more honest now for it.

Bees huh? I thump the Peas in my truck when I think about bees

Don’t recall hearing that song before. But if she was nesting in my yard I’d be tending it often.

Not sure why he grabbed the meters. The last hydro bill was the highest we’ve had. He was doing a lot of printing but we also had the AC on for most of the month. Guessing he heard that conversation and decided to monitor things.

I’ve been curious about the tents for a while so figured it was time to find out. Septembers grow is going to be a whole new approach and testing what I’ve changed along with using Gaia Green.

 

[Zen_seeker]

Hey, the best way I've seen to remove nests like that was with a wet vac and RAID, attach the wet vac hose near the opening to the nest through the day and at night when they are coming back in turn it on after they stop coming for the night spray the raid in the hose. Same next 2 nights, then no more wasps

Over the years I’ve tried a few methods. Ranging from throwing a football and running like hell to wearing a snowsuit and mosquito net hat armed with soapy water and a hockey stick.

The issue with this nest is it’s integrated into the bush rather than just on a branch. My hope of dunking the nest into a bucket of soapy water or cutting one branch with a pole trimmer are shot.

I’m hoping for a rainstorm in the early evening or very early morning so I have less chance of stings and most are in the nest.

Still chewing on which option is best for removing it while we wait for this week or weekends rain.

Not sure I could hook up a wet vac. It’s a HD $35 one and doesn’t have a long hose. This nest is 6’ off the ground. Anything I could attach the hose to would need to be installed first, like a shepherds plant hook. Pretty sure they won’t let me get that close unhindered.

 

[Pipecarver]

Over the years I’ve tried a few methods. Ranging from throwing a football and running like hell to wearing a snowsuit and mosquito net hat armed with soapy water and a hockey stick.

The issue with this nest is it’s integrated into the bush rather than just on a branch. My hope of dunking the nest into a bucket of soapy water or cutting one branch with a pole trimmer are shot.

I’m hoping for a rainstorm in the early evening or very early morning so I have less chance of stings and most are in the nest.

Still chewing on which option is best for removing it while we wait for this week or weekends rain.

Not sure I could hook up a wet vac. It’s a HD $35 one and doesn’t have a long hose. This nest is 6’ off the ground. Anything I could attach the hose to would need to be installed first, like a shepherds plant hook. Pretty sure they won’t let me get that close unhindered.

You can attach the hose to a ladder if you have one. We sat around watching the show, some hang on and fight to get into their nest others just swoop into the vacuum then my bud would chuckle spraying in raid with an evil smile

 

[GoodShit97]

then my bud would chuckle spraying in raid with an evil smile

Sounds like a flamethrower waiting to happen