From Seed to Harvest
Detailed care guides for every stage — nutrients, PPFD targets, pH ranges for soil, coco, and hydro.
Germination Methods
Before you can grow, you need a sprout. Here are the four most common germination methods — tap any to see the full step-by-step.
Hydrogen Peroxide — The Secret Weapon for Stubborn Seeds
Old seeds, thick-shelled genetics, or seeds that have been stored improperly can be slow to crack. A dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide soak (1–3 ml per cup of water) softens the seed coat, kills surface bacteria and mold spores, and delivers a small oxygen boost directly to the embryo. Soak for 12–24 hours before transferring to your preferred germination method. This trick can bring back seeds that would otherwise sit dormant for days or fail entirely. Use standard drugstore 3% H₂O₂ — never higher concentrations.
Stage-by-Stage Care Guides
Tap any stage to expand the full guide — environment, light intensity, nutrients, and pH targets by medium.
PPFD / PAR Targets by Stage
PPFD (µmol/m²/s) measures the actual light hitting your canopy. Use a PAR meter to verify — manufacturer claims are often measured at the center of the beam.
| Stage | PPFD (µmol/m²/s) | DLI (mol/m²/day) | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clones (unrooted) | 100–250 | 8–12 | 18–24 hrs |
| Seedling | 200–400 | 12–18 | 18/6 |
| Early Veg | 400–600 | 25–35 | 18/6 |
| Late Veg | 600–900 | 35–45 | 18/6 or 20/4 |
| Early Flower | 600–800 | 30–40 | 12/12 |
| Peak Flower | 800–1000 | 40–55 | 12/12 |
| Late Flower / Ripening | 600–800 | 30–40 | 12/12 |
With CO₂ supplementation (1000–1500 ppm), push PPFD 20–30% higher in peak flower. Without CO₂, plants cannot use light above ~1000 µmol/m²/s efficiently.
Nutrient Demand by Stage
What the plant needs changes dramatically from seedling to harvest. EC values shown are for coco — reduce by ~20% for soil, increase ~10% for hydro.
| Nutrient | Seedling / Clone | Early Veg | Late Veg | Early Flower | Late Flower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen (N) | Very Low | High | High | Medium→Low | None |
| Phosphorus (P) | Low | Medium | Medium | High | High |
| Potassium (K) | Low | Medium | Medium–High | High | High |
| Calcium (Ca) | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Silica (Si) | None | Low–Med | Medium | Medium | None |
| PK Booster | None | None | None | Start week 2 | Taper off |
| EC Range (coco) | 0.4–0.6 | 1.0–1.4 | 1.4–1.8 | 1.6–2.2 | 0.0–0.4 (flush) |
pH Ranges by Medium
pH determines which nutrients are available to the plant. Even a perfect feed is useless if pH is off.
Live Soil
Water-in pH: 6.2 – 6.8
- ·Widest acceptable range — organic matter buffers pH naturally
- ·Microbial life in living soil helps unlock nutrients across a broader range
- ·Below 6.0: iron, manganese, zinc become toxic; calcium and magnesium lock out
- ·Above 7.0: phosphorus, iron, and micronutrients lock out
- ·Check runoff pH every 2–3 waterings; flush if runoff drifts below 5.8 or above 7.0
- ·Dolomite lime (1 tbsp/gal of soil) helps buffer and maintain pH long-term
Coco Coir
Water-in pH: 5.8 – 6.2
- ·Inert medium — no buffering; pH must be dialed in every feed
- ·Tighter range than soil; drifts happen fast without consistent monitoring
- ·Below 5.5: calcium and magnesium lock out; phosphorus becomes unavailable
- ·Above 6.5: iron and manganese deficiencies appear quickly
- ·Always include Cal-Mag (2–5 ml/gal) — coco has a natural cation exchange that binds calcium
- ·Check runoff EC and pH every watering; flush if EC climbs above 3.5
Hydro / DWC
Water-in pH: 5.5 – 6.1
- ·No buffer at all — pH swings happen within hours
- ·Check reservoir pH daily; adjust with pH Up/Down as needed
- ·Ideal sweet spot: 5.8 — most nutrients available at this point
- ·Allow natural pH drift between 5.5–6.1 for broader nutrient availability
- ·Below 5.5: calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus lock out
- ·Above 6.5: iron, manganese, zinc become unavailable
- ·Change reservoir every 7 days; top off with pH'd water between changes
Quick Wins for Better Grows
Small habits that make a big difference.
Keep a grow journal
Log watering, feeding, pH, EC, and observations daily. Patterns become obvious fast.
Invest in a PAR meter
Manufacturer PPFD claims are measured at beam center. A real meter shows what your canopy actually receives.
Less is more with nutrients
Start at half the recommended dose. It's easier to add than to flush out excess salt buildup.
Check plants daily
Catching pests or deficiencies early is the difference between a minor fix and a lost crop.
Cure your harvest properly
7–14 days drying + 4–8 weeks curing in jars transforms good bud into great bud. Don't rush it.
Genetics matter most
Start with quality seeds from a reputable breeder. Great genetics make every other variable easier.
Common Questions
The questions every grower asks — answered straight.
Grow Quizzes
Think you know your stuff? Pick a quiz, answer all the questions, and see how you score. Explanations included for every answer.
Have a Grow Question?
Can't find what you're looking for, or want advice on your specific setup? Reach out — we're happy to help.
Contact UsReady to Start Your Grow?
Grab quality seeds from our affiliate partner or pick up some Terp Trail gear to rep the culture while you grow.