Episode 02: Answering Growers’ FAQs

We’re back with another FAQ episode where I answer your most asked grower questions for January 2026.

In this episode, I go through 50+ grower questions covering everything from lighting, watering, living soil, EarthBoxes, genetics, troubleshooting nutrient lockout, hydro vs soil, and more. These episodes are driven by you, the community, and the real-world challenges you’re facing in your gardens.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. BuildASoil is dedicated to teaching the art and science of soil-based growing. Always follow your local laws and regulations.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro
00:17 – January 2026 FAQ Overview
01:19 – How to Keep Tent Corners from Collapsing?
02:47 – Using Molasses in Drip Rings & Alternatives for Sugars
06:21 – AC Infinity Soil Moisture Meter with AI Controller: Yes or No?
08:07 – Can You Start Cannabis Pots with Mycelium Like Veggie Pots?
08:54 – Does Defoliation Cause Herming or Pollen Sacs?
10:43 – Is 70°F and 45% RH Good for Drying Cannabis?
13:55 – Where to Get an Auto Top-Off for the Humidifier?
15:39 – Mixing Build-A-Sol Aminos & Build-A-Veg: Mistake or Totally Fine?
16:38 – Using Inoculated Sawdust as a Top Dress: Good Idea or Nitrogen Robber?
18:03 – Ran Your Light at 60% in Week 8: Leave It or Crank It Up?
20:07 – Autoflower Fading Unevenly (Purple on One Side, Green on the Other): Genetics or Environment?
21:36 – Are You Writing a BuildASoil Book? What Will It Cover & When Is It Coming Out?
23:06 – What Does a “Sour” Aroma Actually Smell Like? (Sour Diesel Explained)
26:52 – Grassroots Bed Feels Overwatered at the Bottom: Is It Actually a Problem?
29:20 – Traveling with Cannabis Across State Lines: Are You Worried?
31:49 – Do AC Infinity Bottom Wicking Trays Work with Build-A-Soil? (EarthBox Style Growing)
34:02 – Does Avoiding Cannabis Talk Early Help with Demonetization?
35:49 – How Long Can Mixed Nutrients Sit in a Sprayer Before Going Bad?
36:49 – Blumat Gold vs Silver Setting: Which One Should You Use?
38:51 – What to Use If You Don’t Have Pumice or Lava Rock?
41:06 – If You Reduce Stretch, Does It Hurt Yield?
43:00 – Two Grow Lights on One 15-Amp Circuit: Fire Hazard or Safe?
46:29 – What GMO Strain Are You Running & Where Did It Come From?
47:26 – Will You Run the Spartan Grows “Borg 3-Light” Recipe in a Future Side-by-Side?
49:55 – When Will the 10×10 Grow Be Finished?
50:32 – The Secret to Thick, Fluffy, Healthy Roots All Cycle Long
52:11 – Are There Simpler Alternatives to Blumat for Watering?
54:41 – 13/13 Light Cycle in Flower: Smart Move or Bad Idea?
56:16 – Anthocyanins in Stems & Leaves: Deficiency, Temperature Stress, or Just Genetics?
58:18 – ECOWIT Watering Percentages & Calibration: Can You Do a Deep Dive?
1:00:41 – Hard Tap Water in Living Soil: Will Minerals Build Up Over Time?
1:02:41 – Nutrient Lockout from Chasing Fixes: How Does a Beginner Reset and Start Fresh?
1:05:08 – Where Did Pedro Get the Chapin Sprayer Attachment?
1:06:41 – What Happened to the Dream Bean Grow?
1:07:22 – EarthBox: Plastic Mulch Cover or Cover Crop — Which Is Better?
1:08:46 – Do You Need to pH Water for EarthBoxes?
1:10:38 – Switched to Hydro. Best Decision I Made.
1:10:55 – Why Would Leaves Drop While New Growth Looks Great?
1:13:49 – Where Can I Find Updated Info on Autopot?
1:14:27 – My Light Stayed on All Night in Week 7. Will It Hurt?
1:15:23 – Any Tips on Mulch and High Humidity?
1:17:02 – Do You Add Anything to the Reservoir Like Q or Yahweh?
1:19:14 – Are Oyster Shells Safe from Heavy Metals?
1:22:49 – Buckwheat Hulls for Aeration, Basalt Plus Granite Dust, Pelletized vs. Gypsum Solution
1:23:21 – Does Living Soil Change in Hot, Humid, and Rainy Outdoor Climates?
1:24:45 – How Do You Revitalize No-Till Soil That Dried Out Between Runs?
1:26:53 – Have You Used Fermented Wood Ash?
1:27:36 – Is Terra Preta Real and Available Anywhere?
1:28:21 – Can I Still Run Living Soil in Five-Gallon Plastic Pots?
1:30:01 – How Do I Get a Cut of That Number Nine? Will a 10-Pack Usually Find a Keeper?
1:31:57 – Where Did That Sour Diesel Come From?
1:33:25 – Where Can We Get Those Genetics?
1:33:36 – Are You Running S1 Seeds?
1:34:55 – Final Thoughts

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Music: Rebel by LionRiddims