Grower Glossary – BUpdated 8 days ago

B

Welcome to the Grower Glossary – B. This section explores key grow terms like beneficial microbes, balanced nutrition, and bloom-stage feeding. Whether you’re managing microbes or maximizing bud development, these definitions connect science, slang, and Cronk Nutrients expertise.

Balanced Nutrition

When plants receive the right ratio of macro (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, etc.) for optimal growth.

Grower Slang: “Dialed feed” or “balanced mix.”

Cronk Tip: The Classic Line (Grow–Micro–Bloom) keeps nutrients balanced from seedling to harvest.

Bacteria (Beneficial)

Microscopic organisms that decompose organic matter, fix nitrogen, and enhance root health.

Grower Slang: “Bennies,” “friendlys,” or “microbe army.”

Cronk Example: Bacillus subtilis in Monkey Juice improves nutrient uptake and prevents root disease.

Beneficial Bacteria

Live microbial strains that colonize plant roots (the rhizosphere) and convert nutrients into plant-available forms.

Grower Slang: “Root life,” “micro army.”

They compete with pathogens, break down organic matter, and boost root vigor naturally.

Ballast

An electrical device that regulates current for HID grow lights such as HPS and MH lamps.

Grower Slang: “Light box.”

Modern LEDs no longer need ballasts, reducing power consumption and heat output.

Banding

Applying fertilizer in narrow strips or “bands” near plant rows or roots. Common in agriculture but rarely used for indoor cannabis.

Base Nutrients

The foundational NPK formula that feeds plants through their entire growth cycle.

Grower Slang: “Base mix” or “main feed.”

Cronk Example: Classic Line 3-Part or Bonnie & Clyde 2-Part Autoflower System.

Batch Feeding

Mixing nutrients in smaller quantities before each feed to maintain pH and EC accuracy.

Grower Slang: “Mixing a batch” or “fresh feed.”

Prevents nutrient instability in warm environments or over time.

Bicarbonate

A natural buffer in hard water that raises pH.

Grower Slang: “High-pH water.”

Excess bicarbonate can cause nutrient lockout. Use filtered or RO water when levels exceed 150 ppm.

Biodiversity (Soil Ecology)

The variety of living organisms (bacteria, fungi, insects, and worms) in the soil.

Grower Slang: “Living soil” or “micro jungle.”

High biodiversity creates a self-sustaining root ecosystem that resists pests and diseases.

Bioavailability

How easily plants absorb and utilize nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Nutrient uptake.”

Chelated minerals in Cronk Micro provide superior bioavailability across all pH ranges.

Biochar

A carbon-rich soil amendment made from burned organic material (charcoal).

Grower Slang: “Char” or “carbon sponge.”

Improves microbial activity, nutrient holding, and moisture retention in soil.

Biocontrol Agent

A living organism used to control pests or pathogens — like Trichoderma, nematodes, or ladybugs.

Grower Slang: “Natural defense squad.”

Used in IPM (Integrated Pest Management) to reduce chemical pesticide reliance.

Biodegradable

Materials or inputs that naturally break down through microbial activity.

Grower Slang: “Eco gear.”

Cronk’s PuurOrganics line emphasizes biodegradable, plant-based nutrient inputs.

Biofilm

A slimy layer that forms on hydro surfaces or roots when bacteria and nutrients interact.

Grower Slang: “Slime,” “root goo.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain dissolved oxygen and use Monkey Juice to promote healthy microbial competition.

Biofungicide

A biological product (often fungal) that fights root diseases like Pythium or Fusarium.

Grower Slang: “Friendly fungus.”

Improves root protection in hydro and soil grows.

Biological Control

Using beneficial insects, microbes, or fungi to manage pests naturally.

Grower Slang: “Bio IPM.”

Examples: Bacillus thuringiensis kills caterpillars, and Trichoderma suppresses root rot.

Bioreactor

A container or system (like a compost tea brewer) used to cultivate beneficial microbes for soil or hydroponics.

Grower Slang: “Tea brewer” or “microbe tank.”

Biostimulant

Any natural substance (microbes, amino acids, humics, or kelp extracts) that enhances plant growth or stress resistance.

Grower Slang: “Plant booster.”

Cronk Examples: Monkey Juice (microbial) and Sticky Bandit (carbohydrate).

Biotic Stress

Stress caused by living organisms (pests, fungi, bacteria).

Grower Slang: “Pest stress” or “biotic hit.”

Healthy microbial life and airflow help prevent biotic stress naturally.

Bix / Brix

A measure of sugar content in plant sap, representing health and photosynthetic strength.

Grower Slang: “Sweetness” or “Brix levels.”

Cronk Tip: Add Sticky Bandit to increase plant energy and flavor.

Blade (Leaf Blade)

The broad, flat part of a leaf that absorbs light.

Grower Slang: “Fan leaf” or “finger.”

The classic cannabis leaf typically has 5–9 serrated blades.

Bleaching (Light Bleach)

When bud tops or leaves turn white due to intense light exposure.

Grower Slang: “Bleached tops.”

Fix: Raise light distance or reduce intensity.

Bloom (Flowering Stage)

The reproductive phase where plants form buds or flowers. Triggered by reduced light hours (12/12) or maturity in autoflowers.

Grower Slang: “Blooming,” “in flower.”

Cronk Combo: Clyde + Bud Booster + Sticky Bandit = maximum bloom density.

Bloom Booster

A nutrient additive rich in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) that enhances flower density and oil production.

Grower Slang: “PK booster,” “bloom juice.”

Cronk Example: Bud Booster (0–1–3) supports resin-heavy flowers.

Bloom Boost Phase

Mid-to-late flowering period when buds swell rapidly and resin production peaks.

Grower Slang: “Swelling stage” or “fattening week.”

Boost with extra potassium and carbohydrates during this stage.

Bloom Room

A designated grow space for flowering plants with red-spectrum lighting and a strict 12/12 light cycle.

Grower Slang: “Flower room” or “bloom tent.”

Bloom Time

The total duration of the flowering stage.

• Autoflowers: 6–10 weeks

• Photoperiods: 8–12 weeks
  Grower Slang: “Run length” or “flower time.”

Blossom-End Rot

A calcium deficiency symptom causing brown, sunken spots on fruits or buds.

Grower Slang: “Cal rot.”

Fix: Use CalMag 2-0-0 or PuurCalMag consistently.

Blower / Exhaust Fan

A fan used to remove hot, humid air and bring in fresh air.

Grower Slang: “Exhaust,” “blower.”

Crucial for managing temperature, CO₂, and odor.

Bolt / Bolting

Premature flowering caused by stress (heat, long light hours, or root restriction).

Grower Slang: “Bolted” or “pre-flowered.”

Botany

The scientific study of plants — structure, growth, and physiology.

Grower Slang: “Plant science.”

Understanding basic botany helps diagnose issues faster.

Bottom Feeding

Watering from below to let plants wick nutrients upward through capillary action.

Grower Slang: “Bottom-up watering.”

Helps avoid overwatering and strengthens root systems.

Brix (°Bx)

A reading of sugar levels in sap that indicates plant health and metabolic strength.

Grower Slang: “High Brix plant.”

Higher Brix = better flavor, aroma, and potency.

Bud

The resinous flower of the cannabis plant where cannabinoids and terpenes are concentrated.

Grower Slang: “Nug,” “flower,” “chunk,” or “top.”

Proper light, feeding, and airflow produce denser, more aromatic buds.

Bag Appeal

A term describing how attractive dried buds look — color, frost, trim, and structure.

Grower Slang: “Curb appeal,” “eye candy.”

High bag appeal = high shelf value.

Baked (Overdried Cannabis)

Cannabis that’s been overdried, losing flavor and smoothness.

Grower Slang: “Overbaked,” “crispy.”

Avoid by drying slowly (60°F / 60% RH).

Bennies

Grower slang for “beneficial microbes.” Refers to products or teas containing bacteria and fungi that promote root health.

Cronk Example: Monkey Juice.

Bud Break

The moment flowers begin to form and expand — the start of visible bud formation.

Grower Slang: “First push” or “bud set.”

Bud Booster

A high PK additive that drives bloom size, density, and resin production.

Grower Slang: “Bloom juice.”

Cronk Example: Bud Booster (0–1–3) — clean and powerful.

Bud Rot (Botrytis)

A fungal disease that destroys flowers from the inside out, often due to high humidity or poor airflow.

Grower Slang: “Moldy buds,” “rot.”

Prevention: Keep RH below 50% and ensure consistent airflow.

Bud Set

The first visible stage of flower clustering, usually within 10–14 days of light flip.

Grower Slang: “Setting buds.”

Bud Stack / Stacking

Refers to how tightly buds grow along a stem.

Grower Slang: “Stacking hard.”

Training, genetics, and consistent feeding improve stacking.

Bud Washing

A post-harvest rinse to remove dust, residue, or pests.

Grower Slang: “Bud bath.”

Helps improve cleanliness and flavor, especially for outdoor crops.

Buffering Capacity

The medium’s ability to resist pH swings.

Grower Slang: “Buffer power.”

Coco has low buffering — always pre-charge with CalMag.

Buildup (Salt Buildup)

Accumulation of unused nutrients in coco, soil, or hydro reservoirs.

Grower Slang: “Salt stack.”

Fix: Flush with pH-balanced water until runoff EC matches input.

Burlap Pot

A biodegradable pot made of woven natural fibers.

Grower Slang: “Eco pot.”

Encourages air pruning and decomposes naturally over time.

Burn (Nutrient Burn / Light Burn)

Leaf damage caused by excessive feeding or too-strong lighting.

Grower Slang: “Burnt tips” or “hot feed.”

Fix: Lower EC or raise lights.

Burying the Stem

Planting seedlings deeper during transplanting to encourage new root growth along the stem.

Grower Slang: “Deep set.”

Byproduct Nutrients

Fertilizers made from recycled plant or food waste, offering sustainable nutrition.

Grower Slang: “Upcycled feed.”

Cronk Example: PuurOrganics uses upcycled soy and pumpkin seed inputs.

Bokashi

A fermentation method using beneficial microbes to convert organic waste into rich compost.

Grower Slang: “Bokashi bucket.”

Popular in living soil and organic grows.

BHO (Butane Hash Oil)

A concentrated cannabis extract created using butane as a solvent.

Grower Slang: “Wax,” “shatter,” or “dabs.”

Bract

A small leaf-like structure on cannabis buds that holds trichomes and resin glands.

Grower Slang: “Resin cradle.”

Budswell

Grower slang for the swelling and hardening of buds during late flower — the final “stacking” stage.

Grower Slang: “Bulking,” “swell phase.”

Signals strong plant health and optimal bloom feeding.

From beneficials to bloom boosters, the “B” section captures the moment your grow comes alive. Keep your roots thriving with Monkey Juice and your buds swelling with Clyde and Bud Booster for balanced nutrition and maximum yield.