Introduction:
Over time, SSV’s Midnight Oil will be interviewing the unsung master growers that very few know about. The ones we watch day in and day out, the ones who have proven their style and methods work, and consistently show results.
“I never do this. But here is some financial advice.. You have 2 choices.. 1) be really good at balancing a checkbook, or 2) have enough $$ to not have to worry about it! Don’t be a slave to this goofy ass app!! Don’t forget to live.. “Reality, it the only thing that’s real” I’ve got fresh pow incoming! Time to shred! Yall be easy!!”
Grayway75
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Why Grayway?
After 23 years in business, I’ve learned something. Some people just reek of success. From our first conversation, I knew this dude had it going on. I can smell it a mile away, and Gray just had that to him. I tend to gravitate towards these people because they intrigue me. It’s just a feeling I get, and when diving deeper into someone that has that “thing” most don’t, I’m right 100% of the time.
B ~ SSV
Part 2: Growing techniques by Grayway
B @SSV:
Nutrients: I’ve read that you grow organically and I have great respect for that. What are your organic feeding methods (such as composts, dry amendments, etc.), and can you tell us about your journey to adopting these practices?
Grayway:
Im lazy. Seriously. I grow organically because for the most part, I just have to water. Yes, there is work in the set up and making soil & what not, but after that its cruise control. No keeping up with schedules, precise measuring or the need to really care about ph & such. I got to this point because honestly you can get a little burn out at times.. To tell the truth.. I can grow better cannabis that what you all see. You can really dial in a grow using more precise methods. If you pay attention, I have some minor issues every grow, I get away with being lazy because I have the experience to know how to deal with problems quickly & efficiently, I see them coming. Now don’t get me wrong.. I could also up my organic game to a true living soil and improve my results as well. At the end of the day I guess, I just enjoy organic growing more.
B @SSV
What techniques do you employ to enhance the potency and flavor profile of your cannabis harvest?
Grayway’s Answer:
My style of organic growing is just amended dirt with organics. Not living soil. I really like Down to Earth products. I also like Gaya Green ( again, lazy easy) But I have been playing with some Build a Soil products and I have been SERIOUSLY IMPRESSED. I like the Down to Earth Products because they are locally available & consistent. Same with gaya green. Are they the best, probably not. But as you can see. They do a solid job. Now in using the Build a Soil products. I am just seeing a bit more for a bit less. The BOS products seem to be more concentrated, higher quality & less filler. And I am seeing it in the plants. I will be implementing more from them going forward.
B @SSV:
How can one avoid the pitfalls of nutrient excess and deficiencies when growing cannabis?
Grayway’s Answer:
I recommend taking the time to understand nutrients, what they are, what they do, and their mobility. LESS IS MORE!
B @SSV:
Let’s talk medium
What growing medium do you use for cannabis cultivation, and why?
Grayway’s Answer:
I grow exclusively in soil. Right now it just fits my growing style.
B @SSV:
What brands have you had the best luck with?
Grayway’s Answer:
If I have to buy soil off the shelf. It would be fox farm a blend of Ocean Forest & Straberry Fields (add langbeinite at 1 tsp per gallon)
B @SSV:
I see you’re having a problem with a brand, which I won’t mention here. What made it unsatisfactory, and can you explain how soil can become problematic in cannabis cultivation?
Grayway’s Answer:
Lets reframe this. Im kind a testing mediums. ( I was a little bored) I wanted to see what two new to me brands would do, unaltered right out of the bag as if I was a new grower. Just plant & water and see what the plant showed me, then fix it as needed. So in that I wouldn’t call it a problem as much as finding the limitations of the soil. The issues I found with the particular brand were that it was underpowered for my expectations, my environment, lighting and need to keep up with the tent mates found it unable to keep up with the Nitrogen needs ( in all fairness it was designed for large container gardening, Im testing it in 6 gallon pots). It also took me a moment to dial in how to water it. Which is super important in organic gardening. Too much dryback and you can burn, too little and you can create other issues such as nutrient imbalance or ph issues.
B @SSV:
Compost or no compost? Why?
Grayway’s Answer:
Yes!! 100% I use a local to me compost, but I also love Coast of Maine Lobster & Crab compost. I think it’s a must in organic gardening to improve soil structure, boost microbial activity and provide a consistent source of slow release nutrients
B @SSV:
Do you add anything to that medium, or do you have a top-secret method for supercharging those little microbes?
Grayway’s Answer:
One thing.. and its total “Bro Science” but based in sound science as far as what it potentially adds. But every year I bring back sand from the point at Cape Hatteras NC right below the high tide line in the sand bags I use for my easy up. I add it to my soil at 1 cup per gallon of soil. So many macro & micro nutrients to be gained from the sea. So, who knows, But I do it.
B @SSV:
To those who are just starting out in cannabis growing, what is a great rule of thumb to know about growing mediums?
Grayway’s Answer:
Understand how to water it based on the growing method you choose to run with. Watering for salts is not the same as watering for organics and mediums alter it a bit more (what they hold)
B @SSV:
Is there anything I miss that you would like to give insight to growers around the world regarding medium selection.
Grayway’s Answer:
The best advice I can give any new grower is patience is key. Nothing with plants is fast except over using ferts!
B @SSV:
I would like to ask you about Breeding and seeds:
Top 3 Favorite Breeders? Why
Grayway’s Answer:
Understand how to water it based on the growing method you choose to run with. Watering for salts is not the same as watering for organics and mediums alter it a bit more (what they hold)
B @SSV:
Could you share your insights on choosing a breeder for a run and what dictates that decision? I’m particularly interested in your methods and any challenges you faced in the past with this process.
Grayway’s Answer:
I grow from seed every time now. Honestly, I rarely pick based on breeder. I pick cultivars based on lineage. I grow varieties that I find interesting. I don’t care much about the breeder until after the grow. Did they deliver what they claim? Good value? If so then I will usually look to them when looking at new cultivars to try. You and Socal Seed Vault are a perfect example. I was interested in your genetics, I had never heard of you. I grew the LCB & found that amazing pheno. In my top 3 all time favorite smokes. I then grew some others and found what you said to be true “Winners in every Pack” all at a great value.. That’s what this community needs. Just solid genetics at really fair prices, I found that with several craft breeders so far, with more on deck.
B @SSV:
Which genetics do you prefer in your garden—F1, F2, S1, BX, or IBL? Please let us know your preference and why.
Grayway’s Answer:
Right now Im most interested in F1 & F2 & S1 .. I want to see snapshots of whats in the mix so to speak, Growing from seed every time, Im looking for massive variety, I like that F1 & F2 seeds will give a lot of genotypic variation. I like S1s because I like to see what other think are “prime cuts” in seed form. In my opinion they do a pretty good job of taking a snapshot of the plant they were selfed from.
B @SSV:
As a grower who has extensive experience with back-to-back seed runs, what advice would you give to new breeders entering the cannabis cultivation industry? What are the key insights or knowledge you believe they should have as they move forward?
Grayway’s Answer:
Keep a journal. Record what works, what doesn’t , what you like & what you don’t. Otherwise it just throwing spaghetti against the wall to see what sticks.
B @SSV:
For beginners about to start their first cannabis grow, what essential knowledge should they acquire before selecting and purchasing seeds from a breeder?
Grayway’s Answer:
As a new grower.. know what space & environment you have to work with. You don’t want to buy high stretch sativa regs if you are are starting in a single tent 2x2x4 grow tent.. But from a reputable breeder to start, either something BX3 0r IBL, You will likely stress your first plant bad, the more stable the seeds, the less likely to herm.
B @SSV:
As an experienced cultivator, which type of seeds would you recommend to a new grower: Landrace, Heirloom, Exotic, or Old School varieties? Could you explain your preference and provide reasons why this choice might be beneficial for someone just starting out in cannabis cultivation?
Grayway’s Answer:
As a new grower something common, BX3 or IBL fems that fit your grow space. You want a stable genetic, something you don’t have to worry about sexing right off. Common genetics will have grow journals likely available & people in the community who may be able to offer specific advice.
B @SSV:
Lights. The dreaded question.
Can you share your insights on optimizing light conditions?
Grayway’s Answer:
A par meter is a must
B @SSV:
What lights do you prefer for vegging plants vs flowering plants.
Grayway’s Answer:
Im 100% sold on HLG as far as LEDs are concerned. But if I had the perfect grow space, Id still be running MH for veg & HPS for flower.
B @SSV:
For a beginner embarking on their initial cultivation journey, would you suggest starting with an indoor setup or venturing into outdoor gardening?
Grayway’s Answer:
Indoor 100% gives you control of the environment. Outdoor is HARD
B @SSV:
When setting up an indoor cannabis grow for the first time, the choice between using a grow tent or dedicating an entire room depends on several factors. What would suggest.
Grayway’s Answer:
If you can do a room dedicated to veg & one dedicated to flower.. I feel that is the best. However, tents offer a way to grow in small spaces with great results! I now grow in tents.
B @SSV:
Smokers lounge Q and A.
When it comes to smoking cannabis, do you have a preference among Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strains? What do you enjoy about your preferred type?
Grayway’s Answer:
Im a total Sativa Sativa hybrid guy! Love a heavy indica for sleep
B @SSV:
Energy and sleep, the most asks questions from customers.
Could you share which cannabis strains have been effective in alleviating fatigue and giving you an energy boost to power through the rest of the day?
Grayway’s Answer:
No particular order
C99
Durban Poison
Gelonade
Your Holy Water amethyst The genotype I got was very clean & clear with a bit of euphoria
Apollo 11
& Space Queen
B @SSV:
When it comes to smoking cannabis, do you have a preference among Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strains? What do you enjoy about your preferred type?
Grayway’s Answer:
Blackberry Moonrocks by Blimburn seeds has been my favorite bedtime blaze for a minute now
B @SSV:
What Terpinene profiles does one search for? (Pine, Citrus, Gas, Etc)
Grayway’s Answer:
My favorite is Pine, followed by orange citrus, followed by cake, followed by fruit, followed by candy… and so on… but im splitting hairs.. most are devine.. cant stand garlic or onion terps though.
B @SSV:
Wrap up ~ What is your biggest tip new growers?
Grayway’s Answer:
Be Patient and Less is More!!
I wanted to say a special Thank you to Grayway for spending our most precious gift with me, time. This is the first interview and it was epic. I hope this knowledge will level up your game and help with your next harvest. Appreciate you all and the support you have showed us over a decade long. Respect! B ~ SSV Fam