Mayfield G: Green Harvest 75pp UK - undated, recent.

This publication appears in at least two virtually identical forms, the other being "Harvest Green" by Ian Bayram. Of the two, this version appears the more original, with better production values.

Disclaimer: "The material in this book is for information only. Neither author nor publisher advocate nor encourage the breaking of the law. Marijuana cultivation is illegal."

The preface states "The book's prime function is to show the reader how it is guaranteed to produce a perfect Sensi garden every 8 weeks." (author's emphasis), although the tone is that of improving the technique of persons who have already tried, with limited success, to grow marijuana.

Chapter 1 (what is marijuana) documents the cannabis life-cycle, and the processes and pitfalls involved in gaining experience as a grower. Section 2 discusses security (the need to avoid detection), section 3 whether to grow outdoors,. in greenhouses or lean-to's or indoors, where the author states he will show how to grow at least 9 ounces of dried sensimilla (sic) every 8 weeks.

Chapter 2 deals with lighting requirements, with sections on electric gardens, the light spectrum, photoperiod (day length) and types of light (fluorescents, metal halide, High pressure sodium (recommends use of SON-T-Agro sodium (HPS) bulbs).

Chapter 3 starts with the equipment needed for indoor growing (1x400W HPS bulb, power cables, oscillating fan, 1x24hr timer switch, 2x thermometer/humidity guages, 36x 3 little plastic rose pots, 1 multipack of 3" starter pots, 80 litre bag of soil, and 80 litre bag of perlite, plus nutrients. Section advising on soil composition (recommended Fisons F1 in 50/50 mix with Perlite), ensuring neutral pH. Section on watering, advising tap water should be stood to reach room temperature and monitor pH. Cautions against overwatering, but states that underwatering is not a serious problem. Section on nutrients (fertilisers) with a confused account of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) values, and changing needs of plants. Admits little knowledge of the scientific aspects. Section on ventilation, fans, extractors and CO2. Section on the size of garden and necessary light density, and potential running costs.

Chapter 4 starts by discussing seed selection, including Dutch hybrids such as Skunk, Northern Lights, Shiva Shanti and Red Hair. Recommends Northern Lights and Skunk. The next section is on sexing the plants and production of sinsemilla. The next section advises on germinating seeds (tissue paper), and another section on nutrients.

Chapter 5 - the first section gives advice on construction of a growers box, about 1 metre square and 5'6" to 6"0" high (author's mixture of imperial & metric measurements), as well as a box approximately 24" high for propagating cuttings. This construction has many similarities to Marlow's Kushti Box. Describes temperature control and air circulation, fans and heaters. The recommended method of growing is to take cuttings from "mother" plants, root these, and at 6-7 weeks after rooting transplant these to the flowering chamber, and take fresh cuttings. Section on flowering, including pot size, temperature and day length. Advise flowering for 6 weeks, and then feed only water before harvesting two weeks later.

Chapter 6 covers drying techniques, and problems with pest such as insects and plant disorders. A discussion of hermaphrodite plants, THC content (no figures, but recommends Dutch varieties) training and pruning of plants. A brief section on alternative fertilisers and lighting, and a final section explaining the philosophy of keeping the book simple, and a call for cannabis law reform.

Comment: The book bears remarkable similarity to Tricameral Sinsemilla, in that it recommends indoor growing, purpose built wooden boxes similar to the Kushti Box, and a short growing cycle. Neither book mentions hydroponics, both recommending organic soils. The main difference is that Tricameral suggests a much more gradual transfer of plants between the main stages (growth or flowering) whereas Mayfield suggests an 8 week cycle harvesting the entire contents of the flowering room at the end of each cycle. The styles are also similar, keeping technical matters to a minimum, and with a conversational tone.