First time and a lot of questions :)

So for the past few months a friend and I have been talking about growing. We've found the spot, we have the time, we just need a little advice to get us going.

First off how much will an average grow (1-#) plants cost?

We have an attic space and are looking to grow using fairly cheap equipment. We're trying to avoid buying a $249 US light, etc..

What strain can you recommend for a beginner?

We are looking for something forgiving, something that if we make a few mistakes, we can correct them and move forward. I've heard Master Kush is an easy grow but we'd like some input from the growing community.

What books could you recommend?

It would be nice if the book would outline everything for a beginner, from the type of soil to watering techniques.


Sorry if my questions are answered in other threads, the amount of information is overwhelming for a newcomer. I guess we just thought this would be easy :jointsmile:

I don't really understand the first question; if you mean monthly cost, I just got the first utility bill since I started using my 1KW HPS bulb and it was my lowest bill so far since I started living in this house. I am currently growing 6 plants in flower and one mother and 3 clones in veg.

As far as setup costs, I think my partner and I ended up spending like $1,000 total, which includes lumber to build a fully enclosed room and all our equipment and supplies. I got a lot of my stuff used for cheap, so that was a plus (1KW ballast with a Hortilux bulb for $100, which is less than the bulb costs by itself:thumbsup:).

If you grow with cheap equipment, you won't get near the results as if you spend the $250 on your lights. Your lighting is arguably the most important part of the grow, so I would suggest definitely getting HID, even if you only use it during flower. You will thank yourself in 12 weeks. Although I have seen impressive results on here flowering with CFL bulbs, I would still suggest HPS for flowering. Using CFLs for veg have served me just fine though.

The best book to get is probably Jorge Cervantes' book called the Marijuana Horticulture Guide or something close to that. I have never read it personally, but I've had it suggested to me by a few people that have. You can also get a lot of free information from the internet if you look in the right places.

Information is key to growing. The more you have, the easier it will be and the better your results will be. Good luck!

I was hoping it would be as easy as...

Go to store get soil etc...

Buy a powerful light...

Plant seeds...

Grow!

Well, it sort of is, but you should know something about pH, nutrients, etc. The more you know, the easier it will be.

The Cannabis Cultivation GrowFAQ - The Internet Hub for Marijuana Cultivation - powered by phpMyFAQ 1.6.5
Lots of good info about growing at this site.
Go to the seed sites and read the reviews abbout their strains. Strain selection is a personal choice, so it is hard for a stranger to say: hey grow this it is the best. Ya know?

okok

"We're trying to avoid buying a $249 US light, etc.."

As I always say, you have to live with what you bought, long after for forgot how much you paid for it :)
So I'll hafta agree with Deja on this one :jointsmile:

(dbl posted on accident lol)

May i suggest reading stinkyattics "noobs guide to growin da dankness", just look for a thread she's posted in (they're EVERYWHERE) and theres a link to it in her siggy. Wealthy of information for noobs there.

Honestly! You just have to read, learn, do on your own. We are all here to help, and answer questions, but isn't that what the search button and Google are for? I had to Read many book's. I suggest Looking at "Jorge Cervantes" Ultimate grow DVD's, and the Grow Bible. Just do your research as if you were in College or High school, trying to get information on a project..... Not trying to be an asshole, but............

ill have to second carl.....i mean probably did 60+ hours of reading before i even built my grow box, and i STILL fucked up. Do as much reading as you can (like i said check out stinky's guide its fantastic) and expect the first grow (and all the consequent ones) to be learning experiences.