Grower Glossary – SUpdated 9 days ago

S

“S” covers silica, soil, structure, and sustainability — the strong framework of plant growth. Explore everything from SCROG to stomata and learn how Cronk Nutrients supports superior structural health.

Salinity

The concentration of dissolved salts in water or soil.

Grower Slang: “Salt level.”

High salinity causes nutrient lockout and stress.

Cronk Tip: Flush regularly in coco or hydro systems to prevent salt buildup.

Salt Buildup

The accumulation of unused nutrients or salts in the growing medium.

Grower Slang: “Salt crust.”

Cronk Tip: Use drain-to-waste methods and occasional flushes to maintain healthy EC levels.

Sand / Sandy Soil

A soil type with large particles that drains quickly but holds few nutrients.

Grower Slang: “Light mix.”

Add compost or coco for better retention and microbial life.

Sap

The nutrient-rich liquid that circulates within plant tissue.

Grower Slang: “Plant blood.”

Monitoring sap can reveal nutrient deficiencies early.

Saturation

When soil or medium cannot hold any more water.

Grower Slang: “Fully soaked.”

Cronk Tip: Allow dry-back between irrigations to re-oxygenate roots.

SCROG (Screen of Green)

A training technique that uses a mesh screen to create an even canopy and maximize light exposure.

Grower Slang: “Screen grow.”

Cronk Tip: Combine SCROG + LST for optimal canopy control and even bud development.

Sea of Green (SOG)

A growing method using many small plants to fill space quickly and maximize yield per square foot.

Grower Slang: “SOG run.”

Cronk Tip: Ideal for limited height or perpetual harvest setups.

Secondary Nutrients

Essential nutrients required in smaller amounts than N–P–K: calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S).

Grower Slang: “Support nutrients.”

Cronk Tip: Use CalMag 2-0-0 for balanced secondary support in coco and hydro.

Seed

The reproductive structure that contains the genetic blueprint of a new plant.

Grower Slang: “Bean.”

Store seeds cool, dry, and dark to preserve viability.

Seed Bank

A company or collection that stores and sells cannabis genetics.

Grower Slang: “Genetic vault.”

Choose reputable banks to ensure stable germination and traits.

Seed Coat

The outer shell of a seed that protects the embryo until germination.

Grower Slang: “Shell.”

Seedling

A young plant in its earliest growth stage.

Grower Slang: “Baby plant.”

Cronk Tip: Use ¼ strength Grow + CalMag and soft lighting during this stage.

Self-Pollination (S1)

When a plant pollinates itself, creating feminized seeds with stable genetics.

Grower Slang: “Selfed.”

Shade Avoidance

A growth response where plants stretch toward light to escape shading.

Grower Slang: “Stretch reflex.”

Shatter

A type of cannabis concentrate with a glass-like, brittle texture.

Grower Slang: “Glass,” “snap.”

Made through solvent extraction and purging; high in THC.

Short Node

A tight spacing between branches, often resulting in compact growth.

Grower Slang: “Tight stack.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain proper light distance to encourage strong node development.

Shock (Transplant Shock)

Stress reaction following transplant or sudden environment change.

Grower Slang: “Setback.”

Cronk Tip: Use Monkey Juice to reduce shock and boost recovery.

Shoot

A new stem or branch emerging from a node.

Grower Slang: “New growth.”

Side Lighting

Supplemental lighting applied from the sides of plants to increase light penetration.

Grower Slang: “Side blast.”

Improves lower bud development and even canopy fill.

Silica (Si)

A beneficial nutrient that strengthens cell walls, increases stress resistance, and improves nutrient uptake.

Grower Slang: “Plant armor.”

Cronk Tip: Add Armadillo Armour (Monosilicic Acid) first when mixing nutrients to prevent lockout.

Silt

Fine soil particles that retain moisture and nutrients well.

Grower Slang: “Fine mix.”

Best used with compost or coco for balance.

Sink / Source Relationship

Describes how sugars and nutrients are moved from “source” (leaves) to “sink” (buds, roots).

Grower Slang: “Energy flow.”

Proper pruning and feeding enhance source-sink balance.

Slab (Hydro Slang)

A large block of rockwool or coco used for multiple plants in hydro systems.

Grower Slang: “Grow slab.”

Slurry Test

A pH and EC test using a soil-to-water mixture to measure root zone health.

Grower Slang: “Root check.”

Cronk Tip: Ideal for soil and coco monitoring.

Soil

The natural growing medium composed of minerals, organics, air, and water.

Grower Slang: “Dirt.”

Cronk Tip: Organic soil thrives with PuurOrganics feeding and microbial life.

Soil Biology

The ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms within soil.

Grower Slang: “Soil life.”

Cronk Tip: Keep biology alive with Monkey Juice and organic amendments.

Soil Food Web

The interconnected network of organisms that cycle nutrients in soil.

Grower Slang: “Living soil web.”

Cronk Tip: Feed the soil, not just the plant — PuurOrganics supports this philosophy.

Soluble Nutrients

Nutrients that dissolve in water and can be absorbed by roots.

Grower Slang: “Available feed.”

Solution (Nutrient Solution)

A mix of water and dissolved nutrients given to plants.

Grower Slang: “Feed mix.”

Cronk Tip: Always mix CalMag → Base → Additives → pH adjust in that order.

Solvent

A liquid used to dissolve other substances — often used in extraction.

Grower Slang: “Extract base.”

Examples: ethanol, butane, or CO₂.

Solventless

Extraction methods using heat and pressure (no chemicals).

Grower Slang: “Rosin tech.”

Space (Canopy Space)

The area available for plant growth under a light footprint.

Grower Slang: “Grow space.”

Spectrum (Light Spectrum)

The range of light wavelengths produced by a grow light.

Grower Slang: “Color range.”

Cronk Tip: Full-spectrum LEDs mimic sunlight for balanced growth and resin development.

Spray Drift

When foliar sprays move beyond target areas due to airflow.

Grower Slang: “Mist drift.”

Turn off fans during foliar application.

Stack / Stacking

Grower slang for buds forming tightly along branches.

Grower Slang: “Bud stacking.”

Cronk Tip: Balanced nutrition and even canopy lighting promote ideal stacking.

Stagnant Water

Water that sits without movement or aeration, leading to anaerobic conditions.

Grower Slang: “Stale res.”

Keep reservoirs circulating to prevent root rot and slime.

Stamen

The male reproductive organ in plants, producing pollen.

Grower Slang: “Male part.”

Static Pressure

Airflow resistance inside ducting or filters.

Grower Slang: “Fan drag.”

Cronk Tip: Match fan CFM to tent size and duct length.

Stem

The plant’s main structure that supports leaves, branches, and flowers.

Grower Slang: “Main.”

Stigma

The part of the pistil that collects pollen.

Grower Slang: “Hair tip.”

Stipules

Small leaf-like structures at the base of a petiole or node.

Grower Slang: “Leaf flaps.”

Used to help determine plant maturity and sex in cannabis.

Stomata

Tiny pores on leaves that regulate gas exchange (CO₂ in, O₂ out).

Grower Slang: “Leaf pores.”

Cronk Tip: Maintain ideal VPD for proper stomatal function and CO₂ absorption.

Stress

Any factor that disrupts normal plant growth (light leaks, heat, overfeeding).

Grower Slang: “Shock.”

Cronk Tip: Armadillo Armour helps plants recover faster and resist environmental stress.

Stretch (Flower Stretch)

The rapid vertical growth phase after switching to 12/12 lighting.

Grower Slang: “Flower stretch.”

Cronk Tip: Use training to manage canopy height during stretch.

Substrate

The base material that supports root systems in hydro or soilless setups.

Grower Slang: “Medium.”

Examples: coco, perlite, rockwool, clay pebbles.

Succulent

A plant that stores water in thick leaves or stems.

Grower Slang: “Water holder.”

Sugar Leaves

Small, trichome-covered leaves around buds.

Grower Slang: “Frost leaves.”

Useful for making hash or edibles after trimming.

Sulfur (S)

An essential secondary nutrient for chlorophyll and terpene synthesis.

Grower Slang: “S-feed.”

Cronk Tip: Balanced sulfur improves flavor and aroma profiles.

Supercrop / Supercropping

A high-stress training method that bends and strengthens branches for better light exposure.

Grower Slang: “Stem bend.”

Cronk Tip: Use gentle pressure and allow recovery before bloom.

Symbiosis

A mutually beneficial relationship between organisms, such as roots and microbes.

Grower Slang: “Microbe alliance.”

Cronk Tip: Monkey Juice enhances root-microbe symbiosis naturally.

Synthetic Nutrients

Lab-formulated fertilizers containing mineral salts.

Grower Slang: “Chem feed.”

Cronk Tip: Cronk’s Classic Line uses clean mineral formulations for precision feeding.

Systemic

Describes substances absorbed and transported throughout a plant’s tissues.

Grower Slang: “Full-plant action.”

Used for pest treatments and nutrient mobility discussions.