FoxFarm Blog

Pruning Indoors

If you’re starting seedlings indoors for spring or growing a hydroponic crop, you know that sometimes things can get a little out of hand. Take a good look at what you’re growing and do a little strategic trimming and pruning now to create healthy, well-formed plants later.

Tall, spindly plants should be pinched back to encourage more lateral, bushy growth.  Be sure to leave two or three sets of leaves on the plants.

Long, branching stems can be cut back to the central stalk, particularly if they are not producing flowers or fruit.

Any weak, diseased, or damaged leaves or branches should be removed immediately to prevent further problems.

After pruning, feed plants with a weak foliar solution of Big Bloom to help them recover and charge ahead!

Winter Hydro

If you’re growing indoors, you’ve probably already made some adjustments for winter.  Here are a few things to concentrate on this time of year:

Temperature—You may be surprised at how much temperatures can fluctuate in winter months.  Room temperature can have a tremendous impact on a plant’s ability to take up nutrients, and it impacts fruiting and flowering times.  To make sure the room is warm enough to keep your plants healthy, use a digital thermometer that can record highs and lows over a twenty-four hour period. 

Air circulation—The key to growing sturdy plants and fighting off fungal diseases is to keep the air moving.  Remember to use a fan and to adjust the “wind” direction from time to time to promote even growth.

Nitrogen—Nitrogen promotes leafy green growth, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing.  Cut back on nitrogen to encourage healthy roots, sturdy buds, and flowers and fruit. Our soluble fertilizers, Open Sesame, Beastie Bloomz, and Cha Ching, are all low in nitrogen to keep your plants producing.