BuildASoil: 10x10 Series // Episode 7 Living Soil Veg Update, Roly-Poly Control & Heavy Defoliation

Episode 7: Week 7 Veg Progress, Pest Management Experiments & Canopy Cleanup in EarthBox Living Soil In this episode of the BuildASoil 10x10 Series, Season 9 continues with a hands-on, real-time look at a maturing vegetative grow inside the 10x10 tent. The plants are now entering a faster growth phase after a slower start, giving us a clearer picture of how genetics, environment, and soil biology interact over time in living soil systems. We begin with a detailed week 7 veg update, where we observe plant structure, canopy development, and how different phenotypes are responding to identical conditions. While growth is still compact and bushy, the overall health is strong and the canopy is beginning to fill in more aggressively. From there, we dive into an experimental pest management session, testing different roly-poly traps including banana, potato, sweet potato, and beer-based methods. This hands-on trial shows how simple organic materials can be used to monitor and manage pest pressure in a living soil environment without disrupting soil biology. Next, we move into defoliation and canopy management, where heavy lollipopping is performed to improve airflow, reduce pest access points, and redirect energy toward productive growth sites. This section also includes cloning preparation, plant labeling for pheno tracking, and discussion on how structure management influences future yield potential. We also explore real-world grow challenges, including slow vegging genetics, uneven plant development, and the trade-offs between plant vigor and pest susceptibility. This leads into a broader discussion on grow philosophy, emphasizing consistency, observation, and adapting management strategies rather than forcing rapid growth. In the final section, we document a heavy cleanup session where lower growth is removed, clones are prepared in aloe-treated water, and roly-poly trap effectiveness is evaluated in real time. The episode closes with reflections on plant recovery, canopy response, and next steps moving into the following week of growth. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to manage a living soil veg cycle through observation, selective pruning, and simple organic pest control strategies that work alongside the biology instead of against it. Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. BuildASoil is dedicated to teaching the art and science of soil-based growing. Always follow your local laws and regulations. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:16 - Week 7 Veg Update 03:09 - Testing Roly-Poly Traps, Taking Clones & Organic Pest Control Experiments 04:38 - Defoliation Strategy, Clone Prep & Labeling Plants for Pheno Hunting 07:48 - Real Grow Challenges 09:04 - Setting Roly-Poly Traps, Organic Pest Control & Plant Recovery After Defoliation 19:15 - Heavy Defoliation (Lollipopping), Cloning Prep & Roly-Poly Trap Results Update 31:07 - Final Thoughts + Bonus Clip 34:10 - Extra Scene JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/c/buildasoil Check out our website or follow us on social media: VISIT SHOP: https://www.buildasoil.com INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/buildasoil/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Buildasoil/ CONTACT: support@buildasoil.com Music: Rebel by LionRiddims