what to plant a seedling in?

[CJBHM52]

Hey everybody. So I just started my first grow. I germinated 5 northern lights x big bud in a paper towel. The seeds popped in 24 hours. so last night I planted them. Im using ocean forest soil (50%), perlite (30%) and vermiculite (20%) in peat pots. My question is, should I have planted the seedlings in 100% ocean forest or is it ok that there is perlite and vermiculite in there? it just seems like the perlite is kinda getting in the way of the seedling getting to the soil because some of those perlite pieces are bigger than the seeds. It also seems like the soil is dryin out real fast (which could also be because the perlite sort of expands the soil). if its dry for too long will the seedling die? Im using cfls for the whole grow and I have each seedling underneath its own light with about an inch or inch and a half of room. Is this alright? Thanks a lot

[Hazeguy]

I'm doing my first ever grow too. I've reached the end of the main veg growth stage now. I just used some normal soil. All seeds grews very fast and well. I never used any artificial light until there were a few leaves. Although I did have them on my windowsill where daylight could reach them. I'm thinking that it would be a good idea to have just one light on at the moment at some height. Then when you can see they're coping well go for it with the lights! As for the soil you're using it should not be too much of a problem if the roots have enough soil to find their way in. Make sure they're not just sitting on lumps though.

Hope this is of some help.

[Hazeguy]

Keep the perlite sort of moist also!

[bud breath420]

hazeguy you never used any lights until they had a few leaves? you should have just stuck em straight in under the lights... CJBHM52 your soil sounds pretty good to start growing in, everything sounds pretty smick.. you may need to get more cfls in theyre though, how many watts are they?.. the best idea for your plants would be to put as many in theyre as you can safely fit.. just remember if its too hot for you its to hot for your plants.. so just check how hot your lights before you put them over your plants other than that sounds like your ready to go.. good luck

[stinkyattic]

Im using ocean forest soil (50%), perlite (30%) and vermiculite (20%) in peat pots.
Good mix.

My question is, should I have planted the seedlings in 100% ocean forest or is it ok that there is perlite and vermiculite in there?
It's fine.

it just seems like the perlite is kinda getting in the way of the seedling getting to the soil because some of those perlite pieces are bigger than the seeds.
Think about nature- rocks, roots of other plants, etc. and still the seed sends out a taproot.

It also seems like the soil is dryin out real fast (which could also be because the perlite sort of expands the soil).
That's the point of perlite. Too much moisture that doesn't drain=mold. Just keep on top of your watering. Try standing the pots in a tray of water and letting them absorb it from below. When they are moist, take them out of the water.

if its dry for too long will the seedling die?
Yes.

Im using cfls for the whole grow and I have each seedling underneath its own light with about an inch or inch and a half of room. Is this alright?
That's fine for seedlings. Put the lights as close as you can without burning them.

[CJBHM52]

hey thanks a lot for the help guys. i really dont wanna screw this up. one of them sprouted yesterday and two others today. i didnt know the seed came to the top so i covered it back up the first time. haha. thanks oh yeah heres a pic of the first one.

[stinkyattic]

Ooh, you've already got a pair of adult leaves. Good. Get your CFLs right on that puppy.

[Hazeguy]

Thanks for the help bud breath420 (http://boards.cannabis.com/member.php?u=51335), with my second grow I'll bare this in mind.

[bud breath420]

glad to help

[ThePurpleMan]

thats a pretty lil girl(hopefully) good luck