This is what we should avoid if we can

[Geeza]

We're about helping each other here. We help, we ask questions, we diagnose, we advise, we learn, and at times we have a laugh, and it's such a great platform for that. For a change, I wanted to show any newbies a few things we should NOT do, or avoid doing if we want to have stress-free growing.
The attached pics are of my x2 Borderliner XTRM fem plants (clones, but original seeds from AMS). These are 7 weeks into flowering, and I will likely harvest them next week, as per my preference, they're usually 8-week finishers.

DWC, 80 litre reservoirs, x2 480 watt LED lights, Average yield can be anything between 10-16 oz per plant, (many variables)

The main issues here are a lack of training, supporting long branches, etc and letting them veg a bit too long, as they got a bit lanky for my liking (5 -6 weeks).
Neglect and complacency, as this is not the first time I've done this.
Also, because my life gets too busy, I don't get the time to tend to them as much as I should.

However, I am confident that the quality of this weed will still be great, as I said before, this is not the first time I've done this.

I'm happy for anyone else to add or comment whatever they like,
Posting this with the intention to help out/warn those who can learn from it.

[Bluey]

Looks like you made a great start then ran out of time around the flip.

Ive had grows go feral, I do get a little complacent re defoliating sometimes, its a huge amount of work when my flower room is full.. Last grow was a jungle but still produced 5 to 6 pound of first rate bud and burping almost 100 jars daily was a chore...but was worth it.

[Geeza]

Cheers Bluey,
I get it with the jar burping too. It is a hobby that I enjoy, but yes, it can become monotonous at times. Chores, oh yeah man!

[Allenpro]

If your goin g yo grow that much weed you should look into bucket method. I did just cure a pound in the cure bags and it came out pretty good but they are expensive and if you vacuum seal them do it at the edge of the bag in case you want to open it and reseal it

[Gator]

I'd rather burp 100 jars than trim 100 jars lol 😀

[Geeza]

Oh hell yeah! Don't get me started on the trimming, I have 3 of these tents and the trimming literally takes days & hours, depending on how I time the grows, but I guess, "that's what I signed up for" and only have myself to blame. At times, I have to remind myself to stop complaining or otherwise stop the hobby, or scale down, at least.

Because of this issue, I've recently bought some auto seeds, in the hope that the work/time/labour will be less, it will be a first for me with autos, and after some research, I believe there will be less training, etc., which will be a bonus, but more plants to get the same yields as now? I'm still unsure of the differences with regard to work/time/labour vs yields, etc., etc. Still lots of unknowns at this point, maybe those auto growers can help me with their experiences?
I doubt it would be worth doing an 80 litre DWC rez per plant, so I'm thinking maybe x6-x8 15litre pots, coco/perlite in the 1 tent may be the go for the autos?
Please feel free to comment, all you auto experts.

[Bluey]

Mrs. Bluey does the bulk of the trimming. Wet wet trim too.

[Allotrope1000]

Autos are worthwhile to grow, but smaller = lower yields. Try the XXL varieties. 15L pots good size for starter grow.
I am still recovering from trim hell and am out in my lab pouring more hours into RSO processing. Yeah, I agree. I signed up for it!

[Geeza]

Bluey I wish Mrs Geeza were as helpful as Mrs Bluey. All Mrs Geeza trims is what's in my wallet

Btw wet trim is by far my preference too, but it's also by far my least favourite job


Allotrope1000 I have multiple people who rely on my hobby, some for recreation, some for the habit, and some for medicinal purposes, so yes, I also spend a considerable amount of my time making RSO too.

For anyone interested,

I use DWC because: 1. liquid is easier to reuse/dispose of than soil or coco, 2. I have fewer pest issues, 3. I don't have to buy coco or soil, 4. If any nutrient issue arises, I can usually rectify it quickly by changing out the reservoir. & 5. It is also a time/labour saver, and generally seems a much easier process to me.

Having said that, there's a greater chance of root rot, and also reservoir temperatures to monitor, but still, I don't have much issue with that stuff now that I've had a few years practise.

However, with autos, I realise sacrifices have to be made (with the intention of using Coco), and I guess I won't know if I will be any better off work/labour-wise until I get cracking with it.