Blue Mystic Closet Grow - 1st grow since 2007 HELP ME OUT

[Collie&Wine]

So I'm not exactly new to the forum, but I'm definitely in need of some advice/help. It's been a while since I've wandered down this street. My last grow was only marginally successful and I hope to start up again with a bang.

I learned many things from my last grow, such as investing in good seeds instead of bag seeds, better lighting, using proper nutrients (still figuring out the nutrients for now). Anyway my buddy who I did my last grow with has moved on to bigger/better operations and hes given me a start on shopping list.

I have A 600w Digital Dimmable/Switchable MH/HPS ballast and reflector wing on its way, along with a nutrient called No Shock (which i hear is a good rooting nutrient) I hope its good for seedlings as well. I may have skimped by going with No Shock (I was told to get Mother Plant A&B). Im am working with a space a little bit bigger than 4'x4'. I plan on lining the room with mylar and possibly getting 2 additional CFLs if necessary to supplement (i feel 600w is plenty though)

I also plan to use GroTek Bloom booster throughout flowering and Foxfarm Sledge Hammer once at the half way point of flowering and again before harvest.

My first question is if I sound like I'm on track correctly and if NoShock is the worst vegging nutrient?

Also I am concerned because I only ordered 5 feminized Blue Mystic seeds from Nirvana Shop. I'm wanting to know if anyone has any advice on germination, since I'd ideally like to have all 5 seeds make it. Also if anyone has any experience with this strain in general.

I'll keep you updated and begin posting pics once the supplies arrive.

Thanks for any help.

-Willard

[bigsby]

If I were starting again I'd ditch the nutes and go with FFOF soil. It's SO easy. Just implement a repotting schedule and add water. It simplifies all the stuff that causes issues for the noob grower.

[Collie&Wine]

I can definitely look into that. I was just gonna do a nute free potting soil and add the proper nutes for veg/flowering. It just sucks because i live in an area that doesnt have a hydroponics store and i dont wanna wait to get more stuff in the mail. Any good soils at lowe's or home depot?

[Collie&Wine]

So just got all the stuff in and I will begin setting up tonight. One question for you veterans out there. Am I better off germinating in a damp paper towel or just using soil. All the local stores aren't selling peat pots or anything like that any more due to winter so I picked up some jiffy pots I think theyre called...little cardboard looking pots you can plant directly in your bigger pots, the roots apparently grow through them. Also got Miracle Grow Seed Starter potting soil to go in them. Sould i just stick the seed in the soil or go with the old paper towel trick...I've only every done the paper towel thing before.

[DogtowN]

:thumbsup:
Sould i just stick the seed in the soil or go with the old paper towel trick...I've only every done the paper towel thing before.

Go with what ya know. :thumbsup:

I've never done it that way myself. I just think it's wise to keep my fumbling fingers far away from that process. :weedpoke: :D

[Collie&Wine]

Thank you for your quick response. But I did some research and...I've only ever done the paper towel trick once before. seem the general consensus is that its not the best. I did some research and the Miracle Gro Seed Starting Potting mix I happened to pickup is acutally recomended for mj germination by some online sources so ill probably go that route.

I'm real stoked to get started. Ill post pics of the setup within a couple days.

Also im looking for recommendations on soil you can get from Home Depot or Lowe's? Ill be doing the initial potting soon and plan to use Gro-Tek Solo-Tek Bloom for the first 5 weeks of flowering followed by Fox Farm Sledge Hammer and then switching to Advanced Nutrients Big Bud for the last 2 1/2 weeks followed by one last Sledge Hammer and basic water for last week.

Any Thoughts?

:hippy:

[painretreat]

I use the paper towel. Read a thread recently, Dutch Pimp just tosses them in a shot glass to pop! I would definitely not start them in soil, cause you won't know if they germinate or not and which end is up! Just my:twocents: Advice is worth what you pay for it! Good Luck, no matter what you do. pr

[Collie&Wine]

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So here is a pic...sorry if its side ways...there isnt much to it anyways.

So ended up using the Miracle Gro Seed Starting Potting Soil anyway...well see what happens. Im getting ready to for potting as well. Just picked up some Hyponex Potting Soil and wondering if anyone has any experience with it. as i stated earlier in the thread ill be adding nutes so i wanted something neutral soil-wise. Ill be adding perilite to help with compacting and drainage. Bottom line is if its a terrible soil i can bring it back. I just fear locally my only other option is miracle gro or already nuted soils.

[Collie&Wine]

Alright heres an update. I have 4 out of 5 sprouted and looks like the 5th is trying to break thru. I've been using my digital/dimmable 600w MH/HPS light with the MH bulb on 50% power at about 5 ft above the tray.

My question is how long should I wait/should I wait to lower the light. I know seedlings are more fragile and likely to scorch and I don't want that. I figure a 600w at 50% power is roughly running at 400w. I've currently move it to about 3 foot away just this morning (see pics)...is this ok? Any suggestions?

Also still trying to figure out my soil issue I dont know what to use. This Hyponex stuff i got is looking quite sandy and I don't know if i should use it. I may just go with Miracle Gro Organic and start adding nutes in flowering. All the nutes should me depleted in the soil after 4 weeks I would think

Please give me your suggestions. Any help is appreciated.

_C&W:jointsmile:

First pic is the height the light is now, second is the tray, third is where the light has been at thru germ.

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[Dutch Pimp]

put the back of your hand under the light; and lower it, until you don't feel the heat radiating down from the light

put a thermometer down with the plants (in the shade)...78 degrees F. is good...a slight breeze is nice

nutes are not necessary the first 3 weeks...IMO

[pushit]

Do not use Hyponex soil! I tried it at the beginning of the year and it ruined everything. It will turn into a brick. If you have any holes in your driveway i would recommend patching it with that stuff. haha. I would definitely go with MG organic over that stuff:thumbsup:

MG seed starter works great with the seedlings. If you have any problems with it uptaking water at first try stirring it up in the bag before you use it. It helps a little.

[LetsSeeYa]

Like Dutch Pimp said, no nutes till 3 weeks and the MG works fine with some perlite. My first indoor grow was used with MG and had nutes in it, but i just never added any nutes to the plants. Everything worked out well and used CFL's.

Looks like great space ya got there. You might read some in here and make good use of your space as a mother plant under a Couple CFL's will keep you from having to buy seeds, not to mention a faster grow. Waiting on seeds is a pain and knowing the sex is great and in the end you can save some cash to put back into your set up. Then keep 2 or 3 mom's to mix up your weed selection.


LSY

[Collie&Wine]

Thanks for the quick responses. I'm gonna see about exchanging the hyponex tomorrow.

Also...I think our 5th seed popped as well, which is 100% germination. I'm pretty stoked.

Also in response to LetsSeeYa, I actually have another closet that is the same size right next to this one. I am planning on taking a clone or 2 off each of these plants a week before flowering starts, and from there using cfls to make it a cloning/veg room.

Again thanks for all the solid advice. I'll keep you guys posted.

_C&W:jointsmile:

[Collie&Wine]

Ok folks. So tonights the night. @ 12am when my lights turn back on I am transplanting all 5 little girls to 3 gallon pots. I went out and got some MG Perlite, and some Sta-Green Potting Mix w/fert. I still have alot of MG Seed Starting as well and am thinking about mixing my own soil with the 3. Any idea what parts to use...How much perlite is too much?

Quick responses are much appreciated as I only have 4 hours before I start this endeavor.

Thanks, C&W:thumbsup:

[MedicineMan11]

Better to go to 1 gal pots first, then 3 gal. The plant will grow much better, changing the pot size as it grows is beneficial.

[Dutch Pimp]

Mixing the 3 parts should be OK. I use about 5-10% perlite to soil. It's to allow for good drainage.

[GaGrown]

Mixing the 3 parts should be OK. I use about 5-10% perlite to soil. It's to allow for good drainage.

And you stayed all the way through! I love you man!

Ga.

[Collie&Wine]

Right on, I'll definitely keep the 1 gallon in between in mind for the next one. Im just afraid i don't have the time now to get more pots...or honestly the money (flat broke)

Thanks for stickin around DP. I really appreciate everyone's continued support.

also another quick question should i try and get the dirt out of the cups or plant in the cups...the packaging on the trays says the root willgrow through the cup.

Thanks again, C&W:jointsmile:

[Dutch Pimp]

Looking at the last pic you posted: I would wait until you know the seedlings are rootbound. I usually do my first transplant at 3 weeks old. They are very weak until then. Ideally, you want the soil and roots to come out together and go into the next pot as one unit.

18 ounce party cups are ideal for starting seedlings.

[Collie&Wine]

Well i guess we should wait then. I just finished mixing up all the soil. but ill let it sit a bit and take some for the 16 oz cups...My buddy who i mentioned in the first post may have scared me into jumpoing the transplant to quickly. Im just afraid because they seem to be stretching and the light is on 75% power and only 17" away...Should I lower it more. Also should I put the biodegradable cups into the party cups with soil or try to get them out. Im guessing we just dont want to disturb them at all so leave them...

Either way any further work will be done tomorrow because the soil was way to cold. it was out in my car.

Thanks, C&W:thumbsup:

[Dutch Pimp]

I just realized you are using those jiffy trays. I tried them once; they are a pain. You don't want the roots to stick to the trays. I had to scoop them out with a big spoon and put the seedling in something else. I don't remember if any survived?

It required the hands of a brain transplant surgeon.

Cutting up the tray and putting it all in may work better?

[Collie&Wine]

You're scaring me now....If they just sprouted days ago do you think the roots would have attached already? I could try and cut them open....also do you cut wholes in the bottoms of party cups for drainage?

[Dutch Pimp]

Yes...you need to drill some holes in the bottom of the party cups.

If it was me? I would let them go in the trays for now. Since you are going into cups (will one tray unit fit in a party cup?)

I would watch for the next week or so...and watch for roots coming through the bottom. Then I would cut one tray unit out and put it in ...whatever, it fits in...cup or otherwise. I have used 3 liter bottles; with the tops cut out and holes in the bottom.

[Collie&Wine]

yeah one tray unit would fit into a party cup...Im just worried theres not enough soil in them. They're kinda tiny.

[Collie&Wine]

So I went in last night before bed and all but one of the girls were laying down more or less. It freaked me out so I watered lightly and went to bed. I guess they were just fucking with me cause I woke up and it's like it never happened lol.

Anyway here's a pic to update you on the seedlings. It was a while ago, but I remember more sets of leaves coming in faster. It may just be beginners over examination but. I may try transplanting to cups today. It looks like my first popped seedling has the taproot coming out of the drainage hole on the starter cube.

Lower the light?

Thanks, C&W:thumbsup:

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[Collie&Wine]

Transplanted to cups today...Seemed pretty effortless and I don't think I disrupted the roots very much at all. Lets hope for no shock. Speaking of that should I use the NoShock Advanced Nutrients I have or just continue nute-free. My soil (mix of sta-green potting mix w/fert, MG Perlite, & MG Seed Starting) already has some fert in it. The NoShock says its good fro transplanting and root development in seedlings.

Heres a pic.
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Get at me.

_C&W:thumbsup:

[Dutch Pimp]

I would wait a few days on the NoShock or very, very weak dose when they need water

[Collie&Wine]

Growth seems stunted. Is this to be expected...?

Still only have first serrated leaves and even those do seem to have grown. Some are even looking kinda yellow now...I dont even see any new growth forming in the middle.

Trying not to over analyze...I guess it HAS only been like 9 days since putting non-germinated seed in the soil.

Let me know if this is cause for concern.

Thanks, C&W;)

[Dutch Pimp]

the leaves will form very slowly over the next two weeks...stretching of the stem is the biggest worry, now.

it happens a lot, (I press the soil tight, and add more soil to the base) or tie it up with stakes

this is where fluorescent tube lights (6500k)(shop lights) are handy. you can put them within 3 inches of the plants.

[Collie&Wine]

So yeah. Im now getting second shoots coming in and they seem to have stopped stretching for now. My only concern is the first sets of serrated leaves on 3 out of the five ar crinkling up and yellowing near the tips. ( See first pic) The new growth seems to be coming in the fastest on these 3 though as well.

Is it possible there was a little shock when transplanted or that the light has scorched them a bit...?

I also introduced a fan into the room to provide a gentle breeze, and as well picked up a humidity / temp monitor. The room stays at about 81 degrees (F) and anywhere from 30-35% humidity.

Here are some pics. Let me know what your thoughts are on the yellowing...

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Thanks, C&W:jointsmile:

[Collie&Wine]

So here's an update on progress. I've been trying not to overthink things and keep from asking to many questions. We had a period where every plant decided to lay down flat on me again, and then we also had a period where they started turning lime green ( all but one that is ). I'm proud to say we made it through both of those battles without casualties. Here are some pics.

I am sharing these pics mainly because I feel they could be bigger. Its been 3 weeks since they were seeds so I could be wrong. Im hoping to drop them into flowering in 2 weeks and worried they'll be to small / immature. My light is on 18/6, 600w MH @ full power (was using 50% power at seedling) and I have a fan blowing them around. My temp has been right around 90. (and they seem to be growing better with it being around 90) Humidity is always like 20%. And lately when I wake up first thing I in the morning I leave the closet door open for like 3 hours to get exchange of air going.

If anyone has any tips to speed things up that'd be much appreciated. I almost feel like theyre about to start growing in leaps and bounds over the next week or 2. (i remember there being a really fast growth around week 3 in my first grow circa 2007)

Thanks for Your help. Enjoy the pics.

_C&W:jointsmile:

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[Dutch Pimp]

their almost ready for a transplant...IF.. they are rootbound?

[Collie&Wine]

How do I know they're root bound? Do the seem
A bit small?

[bigsby]

If you can bring your temps down to 80ish and your humidity up to 40% or so they will be much happier. I'd leave them in those pots another week, then up-pot them and let them go another two - three weeks in veg before switching to flower. They won't be root bound at that size. They spent the last two weeks developing their roots. They do well getting a little root bound - it forces them to focus development above ground. Transplant them too soon and the roots keep growing at the expense of canopy. Wait until you see a little growth spurt above ground. That said, you can transplant them now without any real harm. You can also flower them any time you like. Just realize that they will be more developed if you leave them a bit longer. You have a strong light and good space. Let them develop a bit.

[Collie&Wine]

Ok so I took everyone's advice and waited a week. I had the soil mixture from before (Sta-Green, MG Seed Starter, And Perlite) and I used as the bottom half of each pot...then I remove the plant from the cup set it on top of the soil mixture and then used MG Organic Potting Mix to fill in around the plant's soil base until it reached the top of the bucket. All fine and well...the only problem is I wasn't really thinking straight and didn't pay attention to the fact that the MG Organic was pretty cold in comparison to the room. Also it probably could have used some perlite...but it was too late to fix the first 2...

At this time I mixed perlite with the rest MG Organic as well as the rest of the sta-green I had, and now I am waiting for it to warm up to same temp as the room before I finish transplanting the other 3.

I know theres nothing I can do now about the first two. But I was wondering what I should look out for as far as problems. and ways i could maybe lessen the effects of my fuck up.

Pics later possibly.

Thanks for any help.

-C&W:wtf:

[Collie&Wine]

Ok now. We've been transplanted to 3 gallon buckets for about 5 days. Things seem to be taking off...somewhat. I'm hoping to drop into flowering on the 3 or 4 of Jan. that should give them about a full 6 weeks of veg. I'm just worried there still pretty small. I know the double sometime triple in size during flowering but I hope this last week is a productive one. Anybody know of anything I can do to speed things up? Any hel is appreciated.

Thanks, C&W

[Collie&Wine]

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Coming along quite well. As you can see 2 of them are topped. I ended up topping all four clones that I got as well so the next batch should be pretty even. The bottom sets of leaves on all of them are kind of yellowing. But I hear that is to be expected.

Nutrients I am using are Botanicare Pure Blend Pro Bloom w/ Advanced Nutrients Big Bud. My next feeding is the last with big bud, I will then switch to General Hydroponics Liquid Kool Bloom to supplement my base nutrient. I'll keep you updated when harvest time comes. Thanks for the help.

-C&W

[morelmaniac]

I disagree with 1 gal. to 3 gals. Go to the 3 gal. now. I grew Blue Mystic, its good smoke and was done in 49 days. Not supposed to stress the autos. I used the Jiffy Pot with the bottom cut out and then put it in the final pot.