Promoting Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration

Plants use sugars created during photosynthesis to grow and power internal processes.In order to be used as energy, the sugars must first be broken down through cellular respiration.Cells use oxygen and sugar to create cellular energy (ATP/NADP+ via the Krebs cycle), which is then used for almost all internal biological processes.

  • CO2 is a by-product of this respiration

For plants, this entire process takes places in the roots.

  • Oxygen must be readily available at the rootzone.

Oxygen in Soil – Drainage v.s. Compaction

Atmospheric Oxygen (O2) is dissolved in water

  • Regular watering brings in additional oxygen, and flush out atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)

Soil should display proper drainage and should not hold too much water (compaction, e.g. clay).
Water shouldn’t remain pooled long, and the soil should never seem muddy.
Soil should be friable (crumble easily or “fluffy”) and should allow air to reach the root system.
Here are some things to look for in your soil that will lead to proper oxygen/moisture levels:

  • Vermiculite
  • Perlite
  • Peat
  • Coco-coir

Soil

  • Natural
  • Organic amendments become available nutrients

Hydroponic

  • Soil-less
  • Roots suspended in water
  • Available nutrients added to water

Soil-less Medium (coconut husk)

  • Medium for root structure
  • Uses hydroponic nutrients

The general focus of this course will be soil.

Pre-mixed Soil

We recommend using an organic soil mix, such as Fox Farm Ocean Forest, Happy Frog, or Basement Mix.
These soils have great structure for retaining good moisture levels and are amended with proper nutrients.

Soil should contain amendments that provide the plant with essential nutrients.Some examples to look for are:

  • Bat guano (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)
  • Earthworm casting (N,P,K)
  • Bone meal (Phosphate, Calcium)
  • Bloodmeal (N)

Grow Space Considerations

Environment control

  • Can HVAC (heating, venting, AC) be installed?
  • Can the required amount of electricity be safely used?
  • 15, 20, 30 amps?

Space

  • Enough floor-space for quantity of plants?
  • Is there enough head-space for a flowering plant (about 8′ – 10′, depending on the plant and growth time)?

Pests

  • Are there known pests in the area?
  • previous/nearby garden/greenhouse?
  • Can the room be safely pest controlled?
  • Is there a buffer room between the outdoors and your grow space?

Security

  • Can the entrance be locked and/or kept from children/intruders?

Neighbors

  • Will the smell or noise annoy or attract unwanted attention?

Grow Tents

  • Gaining in popularity, grow tents are an excellent option for growing outstanding bud.
  • Grow tents are lined with a highly reflective surface (such as mylar) for extra lighting efficiency. They are also designed to be lightproof when zipped closed for use during flowering cycles.
  • Grow tents can effectively turn the corner of any room into a great grow space.