Lesson 1 — Scouting Routine & Records

Goal: create a scouting loop that catches issues early (before they become labor bombs).

Weekly scouting route

Start: Quarantine/receiving → Prop/wean → High-value blocks → Problem corners → Rest of yard

What to inspect

• New growth (aphids, mites, thrips), leaf undersides
• Pot surface (fungus gnats, algae)
• Lower canopy (Botrytis risk), crowded spots
• Edges (dry/hot/windy stress makes pests worse)

Record template (minimum)

• Date, block/zone, crop/cultivar
• Issue (pest/disease), severity (low/med/high)
• Conditions (wet/dry, heat, airflow, spacing)
• Action taken + follow-up date