What VIVOSUN products do you use? – Ryan Foster’s Story
I have the VIVOSUN 4×4 smart tent bundle with AeroLights, the AeroZesh, and GrowHub Controller. I have 4 seedling mats, 6oz and 2-gallon hand sprayers, a 4×2 tent, and a few of your basic fabric pots that I got from VIVOSUN.
How long have you grown weed and/or smoke? – Ryan Foster’s Story
I started smoking when I was around 8 years old. My best friend’s brother thought it was funny to get me high. As far as growing, I attempted a few secret grows in high school. They were outdoors at a public park, and I never did anything other than plant and harvest.
Almost four years ago, I attempted my first full acre garden of vegetables, it exploded and had an amazing harvest. Ever since I have been hooked. I have been consistently growing cannabis for a little over a year.
Why did you start growing cannabis? Or why do you grow? – Ryan Foster’s Story
I always tell people I grow to save my life. As a disabled veteran, I struggle with mental health issues. I always knew that I needed cannabis to get better, but I was a truck driver and couldn’t.
In 2016 I was homeless, hopeless, and abandoned by everyone I loved. I did the unthinkable, I pulled the trigger. The only reason I am even here today is because when I did, the hammer of the gun got caught in my hoodie. At the time, all I could feel was regret… loss… feeling like I wasn’t done, and I had so much more to give. Obviously, the following few months were hard for me. Struggling to find my way, but I was ignited. I knew I was saved from making the worst decision of my life.
Fast forward six years, and here I am. The owner of a small farm in Missouri and about to attempt to tackle commercial cannabis wholesale growing.
What’s your favorite strain?
This is always a hard one for me. I’m a big Blueberry fan, especially for its anti-inflammatory properties. But my #1 would be a blue dream.
What’s your specialty? Organic, mostly organic, or hydroponics?
I have done soil, super or living soil and hydroponics. By far super soil is my favorite. Only having to use water with little to no nutrients is such a game changer. Allows me the ability to focus on plant life without having to worry about nutrient levels.
Auto, photo, both, or regs?
Photos. I enjoy the customizability that they bring unlike autos. My goal is to one day try a Cannabonsi. A cannabis plant grown just like a bonsi tree.
Quality or quantity?
Quality for sure. That is the ultimate goal of indoor growing. To control the environment in a way to produce the best, highest quality and yield.
Biggest yield on one plant?
At one of the farms I work at we had a “just for fun” cannabis “tree.” I think it yielded around 10 lbs.
Do you have a short funny story about growing up or being stoned that you would like to share?
A few years ago the Chiefs were playing in the AFC championship. Being born and raised in Kansas City, I am a die hard fan, and decided to throw a small party. My little brother (21), who doesn’t smoke much, decided to come out to the shop for a toke with a few other guys and myself. Because he doesn’t smoke much I offered to just let him “clean up” my dab out of my old 3ft rig. Three feet of smoke is hard for most people to clear, so three feet of quality vapor is enough to bring most men to their knees… Well, my brother was fried! We came inside and he was so high he could barely talk. About five minutes before kickoff he couldn’t stand anymore and layed down in the middle of my kitchen.
That is where he spent the entire AFC championship, sleeping on my kitchen floor while everyone just continued to watch the game. We would check in on him from time to time to make sure he was still just pushing it out, but the kid who had a Chiefs hall of famer for a little league coach slept through the entire game. Once he and my father had arrived home, I called to check on him. My dad stated that he walked inside, grabbed a box of captain crunch cereal, and went to his room. He was going to be just fine.
Favorite stoner movie and song (it’s ok if it’s not a stoner movie/song)
I absolutely love Seth Rogan. My favorite movie to watch when I get high is The Interview. Came out in like 2014 absolutely that stupid comedy slapstick Rogan is famous for.
Favorite way to medicate? Joints, blunts, pipes, bongs, edibles, etc.
I’m a roller through and through. Joints and blunts are my thing. Has to be a cylinder though I don’t like cones.
If you were stranded on an island with an abundance of cannabis, what 3 things would you want to have with you?
I love these scenarios. If I could only bring 3 things. It would have to be an indestructible bong, some source of music that’s solar powered, and my dog Odin.
What’s the 1 piece of advice you would give to a new grower? Or what is the one thing you wished someone told you before you started?
I volunteer at an urban garden run by a veterans organization and a local college. The professor that was teaching us hydroponics and indoor gardening told me to stop thinking of it like it is outside. Meaning you, the grower, are outside, and you need to provide as such.
When you have a seedling that you just planted, you’re spring. You need high humidity, regular waterings, little wind, mild temperatures. When you move to vegetative you’re summer. You usually want higher temperatures, more water, but less frequently, dryer air. When you flip to flower, you’re fall. Colder temps, dry air, gentle breeze. Once you truly start converting your mind to think like
that, you will be able to figure out most issues pretty easy.
Thank you Ryan for sharing stories about growing! And what about yours?
As always if you have any questions you can message our Instagram or Facebook and we’ll be glad to help you out! We’re happy you’re on this journey and we want to help in any way we can.
Subscribe to the VIVOSUN newsletter for growing tips, grower stories, and special offers, and get 12% off your first order!
We love the new VIVOSUN Smart Grow System and we are certain that you too will love it once you try it.
And join our Facebook farmer’s community for even more exclusive contests and prizes!
Download VIVOSUN App to get 18% off and explore more information!
